When the community health nurse is examining barriers to successful behavioral change, the nurse identifies that there are no laws in the community that prohibit smoking in public areas, which leads to increased smoking and increased risks to health related to secondhand smoke. The nurse believes that a possible solution is to advocate for a citywide ban on smoking in public locations. Which type of factor is affecting the behavior in the community?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse must identify the factors influencing or interfering with behavioral change before implementing a solution. The community smoking behaviors in this scenario are a result of the absence of laws prohibiting public smoking. Such a law, or lack thereof, is an example of an enabling factor. Other enabling factors include the availability and accessibility of resources, government support for the health behaviors or for the health program, as well as skills. Predisposing factors include the knowledge, beliefs, values, attitudes, and confidence of the target population that influence their behavioral choices. Reinforcing factors include the knowledge, values, beliefs, and attitudes of the family and friends of the target population. Neither predisposing nor reinforcing factors are indicated in the situation presented.

When the Community Health Nurse Is Examining Barriers to Successful