Theory Of Cardiovascular Disease

In this report it will investigate at least three recent health education campaigns and use them to explain two models of behaviour change. The three recent health education campaigns will be ‘Smoke Free’, ‘Change4Life’ and ‘FRANK’. The two models of behaviour change will be the theory of reasoned action and the stages of change model.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in Australia's population. This is because the disease is also diagnosed with other conditions like renal and chronic kidney diseases. Cardiovascular disease extends at the end-stage of renal disease and is present even in moderate settings of chronic kidney disease. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2000), cardiovascular disease has a high prevalence rate in the population, making it a public health concern. The disease is the leading cause of death in the nation, and is causing considering burden on the population like illness, economic costs, and disability (Samani & van der Harst, 2008). The disease is also a public health concern for it affects both adults and children of all races and ethnicities. This analysis explores the scope of the disease among Australia's population, its effect on the population, mortality and morbidity studies, and social determinants of health.

Cardiovascular disease comprises the congestive heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease. These conditions have continued to be the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States of America today. The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is influenced by various factors such as physical, political, environmental, and social factors (Kochanek, 2011). These factors entail access to quality and affordable health care services, affordability to healthy diets, conditions of work, physical exercises, community support, and access to education.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major health problem that most of the countries are facing today and one of such countries is Australia. It is estimated that about 1 million of Australian population is affected by cardiovascular diseases and is among the leading cause of death in Australia ("Department of Health | Cardiovascular disease", 2016). It is also observed that the Aboriginal population of Australia is more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than other Australians ("Department of Health | Cardiovascular disease", 2016). In order to examine the health issue such as cardiovascular disease among Aboriginal men and women using social

Tobacco use also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, whether it being smoking or chewing tobacco. The risk is particularly higher if the person started smoking at a young age, smokes heavily and/or if the person is a woman. No matter how long that person has been smoking for, stopping can make a major difference when it comes to cardiovascular diseases. Physical inactivity is also a modifiable risk factor, obesity is a big problem in many countries and it increases the risk of heart diseases by 50%. Obesity also leads people to diabetes, which is also a risk. 31% or coronary heart diseases and 11% of the strokes worldwide are due to a high diet in fats, this is a big deal in certain countries because high diets in fats are seen everywhere. Another factor is being poor. It is normal that low income will make people's lives lean towards a stressful one, one where there is social anxiety, isolation and depression, which are all reasons why a person can get cardiovascular diseases. When someone abuses alcohol, drinking more than two drinks a day, it increases their risks as well. There are a few other modifiable risk factors, such as taking certain medications.

It is significant in underserved communities and it is most preventable. The risk factors to name a few are high blood pressure, poor diet & physical inactivity and obesity. It is pivotal to address these risks to prevent heart failure and strokes. The risk is controllable if certain life style changes are made. More than one in three adults which is 81.1 million lives with heart disease. In the Healthy people 2020 statistics the target for deaths caused by heart disease and stroke has declined from 1999 and 2011 from 194.6 to 109.2 deaths per 100,000 populations. This shows some progress. To maximize these results I would push for promotion of healthy eating habits and physical activities for people of all ages in underserved communities along with education specifically for unfortunate people.

The intrapersonal model focuses on health promotion and health education efforts in order to increase awareness of health-related issues among individuals, such as knowledge, attitudes, personal beliefs, and the individual’s skill set (Riegelman and Kirkwood, 2015). This is important because it zeros in on the individual and what they know and can do in order to allow for change. One of the many models within the intrapersonal theory is the transtheoretical model, also known as the stages of change model. The transtheoretical model’s constructs are that the individual goes through incremental stages when changing a behavior instead of making big changes all at the same time (Riegelman and Kirkwood, 2015). The first construct is the precontemplation stage, where the individual has not yet thought about changing their behavior. Next, is the contemplation stage, where the individual is actively thinking about the pros and cons of change. Then the next stage is preparation, where the individual is thinking about a plan of action. Next, is the action stage, where the change is taking place in the individual’s behavior. Finally, the maintenance stage, where the change becomes a permanent change in the individual’s lifestyle. (Riegelman and Kirkwood, 2015). The importance in this model is the ability

Engaging in exercise everyday would help reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The counties could also educate the people on the dangers of smoking and as such spearhead campaigns to help people quit smoking. The theory of planned behavior is used to predict deliberate behavior in individuals since behavior can be planned and deliberative. The theory could be applied in reversing the health trends in the counties with emphasis on whether to exercise or use condoms when having sex. Further, there exists a correlation between independently healthy eating behaviors with barriers, such as attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm, evident in the theory of planned behavior3. The health policymakers in the counties would have to assume that people process every piece of information and act accordingly and thus would be compelled to quit smoking and result to exercise. This theory would fit the intervention plan due to its efficiency to explain intention, perceived behavioral control being as important as attitude across health-related behavior

Social Determinants of Health are based on the social and environmental factors in which people live and work. Health in Australia is among the best in the world. However, many Australians, particularly Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders and people who are socio economically disadvantaged suffer poor health compared with the rest of the population. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. When we think of health we generally think it’s affected by factors such as age, genetics, gender and our lifestyle choices such as how much we exercise, what food we eat or unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking. However these only make up a small part

A theory often used in the research of individual health behavior and behavioral intentions is the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991). According to this theory, the performance of any behavior depends on behavioral intention. Behavioral intention is viewed as being dependent on behavioral beliefs (e.g., attitude towards the behavior), normative beliefs, and control beliefs. Normative beliefs are beliefs about the expectations of others, and control beliefs are beliefs about the factors that may help or hinder the performance of the behavior. The framework for the study of physical activity discussed earlier by Armitage (2005) is based on this theory. That study found that behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs all contribute to physical activity behavior.

Behavioural change: The aim of this approach is to encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own health and choose healthier lifestyles. This is done by Persuasion through one to-one advice, information, mass campaigns, for example. Looking after Your Heart dietary messages

When considering health psychology it is important to recognise the various models it is made up of. The basis of this essay will be to take a look at the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour, considering their historical origins, the positives and negatives of applying these approaches and examples of when they have been used. After some analysis it may offer some insight into possible improvements that could be implemented from further research. Also included will be an overview of how the models compare to each other and critical evaluation of research from this field.

Out of the many theories,only some have been mentioned below which are cognitive and non

Cardiovascular disease is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the heart’s arteries. This plaque buildup constricts the arteries, which makes it harder for blood to move through them. As artery walls become constricted blood clots can form, which can completely stop the blood flow and can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart from an artery is blocked by a blood clot. As the blood clot interrupts the blood flow entirely, the area of the heart that is supplied by that artery begins to die. Although most people survive their first heart attack, medications and major lifestyle changes must be incorporated into their lives in order to prevent further complications. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets blocked from being constricted, or from the presence of a blood clot. As the blood supply to the brain is shut off, brain cells die which can cause a failure by the body to carry out some basic functions like talking, walking, or even moving certain body parts. The effects of a stroke can be permanent because lack of blood and oxygen to the brain can cause too many brain cells die, and these brain cells can never be replaced. Some brain cells may not completely die, and can repair themselves over time with rehabilitation so some functions can be regained. Other conditions that affect your heart's muscle, valves, blood vessels, or rhythm, also are considered forms of

From Week 4 lecture, I have learnt about the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Initially, I thought that if a person intend to do something, they will put in their best effort to do it. However, I realized that I was wrong because ‘intention does not always accurately predict behaviour when there is a reflex or conditioned response involved.’(Long-Crowell, 2003) For example, ‘my friend with a phobia may intend to stay calm and collected when faced with their fear, but may end up having a panic attack instead.’(Long-Crowell, 2003) After this lecture, I have learnt that this theory explores the relationship between attitudes and behaviour. A person who have the intention to change is determined by attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. For example, a person who know about the negative effects are more willing to quit smoking.