Applicable Change/Nursing Theory Utilized
Two theories that can help to explain and develop interventions related to childhood obesity include the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior. The theory of planned behavior helps to clarify many of the issues that are related to negative behavioral patterns (Sothern, Gordon & Von Almen, 2016). The theory postulates that the environmental attributes are fully mediated by perceived behavioral control. This framework moderates the relationship of intention to behavior from perceived behavioral control. In case perceived behavioral control is high, then the intention will convert to behavior. On the contrary, if the perceived behavioral control is low, then it is less likely that the intention will convert to behavior.
Unlike the theory of planned behavior, the health belief model is based on the idea that people are motivated to change when the perceived severity and susceptibility is high. In this respect, people are most likely to embark on recommended positive behavior such as proper dietary practices if they feel that the possibility of getting childhood obesity is high, and that childhood obesity is so severe (Sothern, Gordon & Von Almen, 2016). In such a situation, they will be motivated to embark on behavioral change, a situation referred to as ‘readiness to act’.
The theory that makes more sense in implementing EBP project for childhood obesity is the theory of planned behavior. The health belief model was originally designed with concern for public health issues (Sothern, Gordon & Von Almen, 2016). This model has not been received well in the pediatric community since children and adolescents basically perceive themselves as immortal and may not use rationalism. The theory of planned behavior can inform message strategies that seek to address parental issues over infant and toddler feeding practices. This is because toddlers’ appetites may fluctuate from day to day depending on many factors such as their activity levels, whether or not they are in a growth spurt. Therefore, parents can regulate their dietary behaviors.’