Genetics, individual and collective behaviors, environmental and physical influences, medical care, and social determinants influence the health of an individual and community. Nurses may apply theories of health behavior to address the health needs of clients and communities in a thorough and systematic way.

Models and theories relevant to the study and change of health behavior include the Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Health Belief Model, Transtheoretical Model/Stages of Change, and Pender’s Theory… Nurses need a thorough understanding of health behavior and the factors that may be supportive of or detrimental to health.

genetics — the study of how genes, traits, and diseases are passed from one generation to the next. health behavior — the actions, habits, activities, policies, and procedures of individual clients, communities, organizations, and governments that can either support or undermine health. medical care — services rendered by a health care clinician during visits to clinics, offices, hospitals, surgical centers, schools, laboratories, and other places. theories — used to explain phenomena in a systematic way and to guide thoughts and decision-making processes.