A nurse is reviewing various roles within the community. The nurse should identify which of the following statements best encompasses the description of a community health worker?

Choice A Reason:
The Social Cognitive Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the role of observational learning, social experiences, and reciprocal determinism in behavior change. It considers both internal factors (such as self-efficacy) and external factors (such as social influences and environmental conditions) in motivating behavior change. Therefore, it does not focus solely on internal factors.

Choice B Reason:
The Ecological Model, also known as the Social-Ecological Model, looks at multiple levels of influence on behavior, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy levels. This model highlights the interaction between individuals and their physical and sociocultural environments. It does not focus exclusively on internal factors but rather on a broad range of influences.

Choice C Reason:
The Transtheoretical Theory, also known as the Stages of Change Model, describes the process of intentional behavior change through five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. While it considers internal factors such as motivation and readiness to change, it also acknowledges the role of external factors and interventions in facilitating progress through these stages.

Choice D Reason:
The Health Belief Model focuses on individual perceptions and beliefs as the primary motivators for adopting healthier behaviors. It considers factors such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. This model is centered on internal cognitive factors that influence a person's decision to engage in health-promoting behaviors, making it the correct answer for a model that looks only at internal factors.

Choice A Reason:
Assurance of services refers to the guarantee that health services are available and accessible to the population. While this is crucial for public health, it primarily affects the structural level of society rather than multiple levels. The Ecological Model emphasizes the interaction between individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors. Assurance of services is more of a systemic factor and does not directly influence individual behavior across multiple levels.

Choice B Reason:
Health beliefs are a significant factor in the Ecological Model as they influence individual behaviors and decisions regarding health. These beliefs are shaped by personal experiences, cultural norms, and societal influences. Health beliefs operate at multiple levels, including the individual level (personal beliefs), interpersonal level (influence of family and friends), and community level (cultural and societal norms). They play a critical role in determining how individuals perceive health risks and engage in health-promoting behaviors.

Choice C Reason:
Medical funding is essential for the provision of healthcare services and the functioning of health systems. However, it primarily affects the structural and policy levels rather than multiple levels of society. While adequate funding is necessary for ensuring access to healthcare, it does not directly influence individual health behaviors across different levels of the Ecological Model.

Choice D Reason:
Laws and local ordinances that relate to health are crucial in shaping the environment in which individuals live. These regulations can influence health behaviors by creating supportive environments, such as smoke-free zones, safe drinking water standards, and regulations on food safety. These laws operate at the community and societal levels, impacting individual and collective behaviors by establishing norms and standards that promote health.

Choice E Reason:
Interaction with others is a key component of the Ecological Model, affecting health behavior at multiple levels. Social interactions influence individual behaviors through peer pressure, social support, and the sharing of information. At the interpersonal level, family and friends can encourage or discourage healthy behaviors. At the community level, social networks and community organizations play a role in shaping health norms and behaviors. These interactions are integral to understanding how health behaviors are adopted and maintained.