0 - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

BiopsychosociaJ Effects Among Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients 20
The health belief model has a vast history because it was developed in the 1950's
by social psychologists who were attempting to understand the zeitgeist of wide spread
failure to accept disease preventatives and early screening tests for asymptomatic diseases
(Clark & Becker, 1998). More recently, it was assumed that knowledge guides health
related behavior (Hirani & Nevv111aJ1, 2005). Traditionally in clinical practice, necessary
information is provided to patients regarding their current diagnosis and illness and in
turn it is felt that the patients' knowledge drives adherence. This approach implies a
passive role for patients, resulting in surprise at some patients' health related decisions
and behaviors. Physicians deemed these choices as counterproductive for their health,
contrary to medical advice or sometimes idiosyncratic. However, it has become apparent
that the behaviors of individuals are affected by the attitudes and beliefs they hold (Kelly,
2005).
Ifindividuals think something's are appropriate for them, they may do them; if
not, they do not. With regards to health or ill health, beliefs and attitudes may be related
to undergoing treatments, current medications, or performing health maintenaJ1ce
behaviors (Hirani, & Ne\\