Applications Of The Precede-Proceed Model

Applications Of The Precede Proceed Modelthe Predisposing Reinforcing

The application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model emphasizes its utility in health promotion planning, particularly through understanding and modifying behavioral health issues. This paper focuses on a specific phase of the model—the educational and ecological assessment—and applies it to a chosen health behavior. The selected behavior is unprotected intercourse among teens, a significant public health concern due to its association with unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The discussion includes an overview of why this behavior is problematic, identification of predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling (PRE) factors supported by empirical evidence, and potential interventions targeting these factors.

Paper For Above instruction

Unprotected intercourse among teenagers remains a critical adolescent health issue. This behavior significantly increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and the transmission of STIs, including HIV/AIDS. According to the CDC (2020), adolescents engaged in unprotected sex are at higher risk of adverse health outcomes, which can impede their overall well-being and development. Despite extensive sexual education programs, the prevalence of unprotected sex persists among teens, necessitating a deeper understanding of the underlying determinants driving this behavior for targeted intervention.

The problematic nature of unprotected intercourse among teens stems from multiple factors. Firstly, adolescents often lack adequate knowledge about the risks associated with unprotected sex, though education alone may not sufficiently change behavior (Santelli et al., 2017). Secondly, peer pressure and a desire for social acceptance can influence decision-making, leading teens to engage in risky sexual behaviors despite knowing the consequences (Romer & Hennessy, 2018). Lastly, inconsistent condom use reflects psychological and sensory factors, such as diminished impulse control and perceptions of invulnerability common among teenagers (Davis et al., 2019). Consequently, addressing this behavior requires a comprehensive strategy that considers these intertwined cognitive, social, and environmental factors.

To apply the PRECEDE component of the model, it is essential to identify predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors supported by empirical evidence. Predisposing factors are individual characteristics that influence behavior; in this context, adolescents' knowledge about STI risks and contraceptive efficacy serve as predisposing factors. Research indicates that knowledge deficits correlate with risky sexual behavior; however, knowledge alone does not always translate into safe practices (Smith & Thornton, 2020). Other predisposing factors include attitudes toward condom use and perceived peer norms, which significantly influence decision-making. For example, teens who believe their peers are engaging in unprotected sex are more likely to do the same (Miller & Jones, 2021).

Reinforcing factors involve social influences that encourage or discourage behavior. Peer acceptance and approval play pivotal roles; when a teen's social circle dismisses condom use or mocks safe sex practices, the likelihood of unprotected intercourse increases. Family influences, such as parental communication about sex, also serve as reinforcing factors, with open dialogue reducing risky behaviors (Gordon et al., 2019). Enabling factors are environmental resources or barriers impacting behavior. Availability and accessibility of condoms are critical enabling factors; research shows that when condoms are readily accessible and free, usage rates increase among teens (Lee & Kim, 2022). Additionally, community-based sexual health services and youth-friendly clinics act as enablers that facilitate safer sexual practices.

The derivation of these factors involved systematic literature review and analysis of empirical studies assessing teenage sexual behaviors and their influences. Studies employing quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews provided insights into teens’ perceptions, social norms, and environmental contexts that shape their decisions regarding condom use. These data-informed insights guided the identification of key PRE factors critical for designing effective interventions.

Based on these PRE factors, several interventions can be proposed. To modify predisposing factors like knowledge and attitudes, comprehensive sexual education programs that include factual information about STI risks, condom efficacy, and debunking myths are essential. These programs should also incorporate behavioral skills training to enhance condom negotiation and decision-making (Kirby & Lepore, 2021). Moreover, interventions targeting reinforcing factors should focus on peer-led initiatives and youth mentorship programs that promote positive norms around safe sex. For example, peer educators can serve as influential role models who normalize condom use and challenge risky peer norms (Eichelsheim et al., 2020).

Addressing enabling factors requires ensuring easy access to condoms in discreet and youth-friendly environments. Establishing condom distribution points at schools, community centers, and clinics, along with campaigns promoting their availability, can facilitate protective behaviors (Hale et al., 2021). Parental involvement through culturally sensitive communication strategies has also been shown to reinforce protective behaviors (Miller & Jones, 2021). Additionally, integrating community-based interventions that involve local organizations can foster supportive environments where safe sexual practices are normalized and reinforced.

In conclusion, applying the PRECEDE phase of the health promotion model to unprotected intercourse among teens highlights the importance of understanding the ecological factors influencing behavior. Identifying key predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors supported by empirical research allows for tailored interventions that address each influence level effectively. Combining educational efforts, social norm modification, and environmental changes enhances the likelihood of behavioral change, ultimately reducing the incidence of unsafe sexual practices among adolescents and promoting their overall health and well-being.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Youth Risk Behavior Survey. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
  • Davis, B., Smith, L., & Nguyen, L. (2019). Psychological factors influencing condom use among adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(3), 322-328.
  • Eichelsheim, V., Van den Broek, E., & Feldbrugge, S. (2020). Peer-led interventions to promote safe sex among teens: A systematic review. Health Education & Behavior, 47(4), 645-654.
  • Gordon, C., Garcia, M., & Lee, S. (2019). Parental communication and adolescent sexual behavior. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(5), 518-529.
  • Hale, N., Patel, R., & Williams, J. (2021). Accessibility of condoms and its impact on adolescent sexual health. Sexual Health Journal, 18(2), 127-133.
  • Kirby, D., & Lepore, G. (2021). Sexuality education and condom use: An evidence-based review. Journal of School Health, 91(1), 3-12.
  • Miller, K., & Jones, A. (2021). Peer norms, perceptions, and condom use among adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50(9), 1924-1935.
  • Romer, D., & Hennessy, M. (2018). Influence of peer norms on adolescent risk behaviors. Journal of Adolescent Health, 62(2), 159-164.
  • Santelli, J. L., Machtinger, E., & Khurana, A. (2017). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding STIs among youth. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 93(2), 124-128.
  • Smith, L., & Thornton, J. (2020). The role of sexual health knowledge in adolescent risk behavior. Public Health Reports, 135(2), 278-286.

Related Assignments