Based on the Health Belief Model, which of the following individuals is most likely to make a healthy change?

Question

A. A 38-year-old woman is a periodic smoker and believes she is susceptible to lung cancer. She does not think the disease is serious but does not believe she smokes enough for there to be significant risk. She does not believe that decreasing her smoking will decrease her risk. She has friends and family who are also smokers and agree that she does not smoke excessively.
B. A 15-year-old teenage boy uses marijuana daily. He does not believe that it is dangerous. However, he has parents who are supportive of him quitting use, and after a run in with the law is also now on probation that requires him to stop using marijuana.
C. A 22-year-old woman is pregnant and at risk for gestational diabetes. She does believe it is dangerous to her and her unborn child but does not believe it is as dangerous as her doctor suggests. She believes that eating well and exercise will lower her risk. Because her family does not agree with her pregnancy, she has limited support and very limited financial resources to buy healthy food.
D. A 68-year-old woman believes she is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. She is scared of not remembering her children and grandchildren and is scared of death. Her doctor tells her that engaging in memory activities will help reduce her risk. Her children live nearby and are happy to come over daily to help.
E. A 42-year-old man is a lifelong alcoholic and believes he is at risk for cirrhosis. He strongly believes that the disease is serious and could kill him. He also believes that decreasing alcohol use will reduce his risk. He is ashamed to tell his family about his drinking problem and has attempted to quit before unsuccessfully.

Answer 1

Answer: D