Question 1

Which statement is NOT an example of the changing scope and tools of health behavior?

Accepted Answer

The increased reliance on personal experiences to inform interventions is not an example of the changing scope and tools of health behavior. Modern health behavior emphasizes evidence-based methods, theory-based interventions, and the use of technology, rather than primarily relying on personal experiences.

Question 2

Research on effective methods to achieve health behavior change suggests:

Accepted Answer

Interventions that are based on theory and developed from formative research are more likely to be effective because they are designed with an understanding of the behaviors they aim to change and the context in which these behaviors occur. This approach allows for the development of targeted strategies that are more likely to result in health behavior change.

Question 3

Health behavior theory draws from the following fields of study:

Accepted Answer

Health behavior theory indeed draws from a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, nursing, and medicine. These fields contribute to understanding how and why individuals make health-related decisions and engage in health-related behaviors. Sociology, psychology, and anthropology provide insights into the social, cognitive, and cultural factors influencing health behaviors, while nursing and medicine contribute practical and clinical perspectives on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment.

Question 4

Which is NOT an example of a behavioral factor contributing to mortality in the United States:

Accepted Answer

Genetics is not a behavioral factor; it is a biological factor that influences an individual's health and susceptibility to various diseases, but it is not a behavior that individuals can modify to reduce their risk of mortality. Behavioral factors are actions or patterns of living that impact health, such as tobacco use, diet, physical activity, and alcohol use.

Question 5

Which statement describes a recent trend in health behavior research:

Accepted Answer

Recent trends in health behavior research emphasize the importance of behavioral and social determinants of health, recognizing how factors such as lifestyle, environment, and social structures influence health outcomes.

Question 6

In the United States, increased access to data and surveillance systems to track health have shown improvements in all areas EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the United States, increased access to...

Question 7

One critique of evidence-based interventions in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of One critique of evidence-based interventions in the...

Question 8

Increased global urbanization has:

Accepted Answer

Increased global urbanization has contributed to an increase in unhealthy lifestyles due to factors such as sedentary living and fast food consumption, resulted in overcrowding and increased pollution due to higher population densities, and increased access to interventions aimed at improving health through better infrastructure and healthcare services.

Question 9

New health technologies (e.g. eHealth and mHealth):

Accepted Answer

New health technologies can sometimes provide misleading information or interfere with the patient-provider relationship, which can potentially cause harm.

Question 10

When an existing health policy does not result in measureable changes in behavior or improvements in health, it is recommended that:

Accepted Answer

The correct approach when a health policy does not result in measurable changes is to gather more information about the duration and effectiveness of its implementation before deciding on further actions. This helps in understanding whether the policy needs adjustments, better implementation strategies, or if it's indeed ineffective.

Question 11

In the United States, obesity prevalence and vaccine coverage have improved in the last 20 years as a result of better data and surveillance systems.

Accepted Answer

While vaccine coverage has improved in the last 20 years in the United States due to better data and surveillance systems, obesity prevalence has actually increased, not improved, during the same period.

Question 12

Health behavior change interventions are primarily carried out in hospitals and clinics.

Accepted Answer

Health behavior change interventions can be implemented in a variety of settings including schools, workplaces, communities, and online platforms, not just in hospitals and clinics.

Question 13

In the past 10-15 years, high quality data collection processes in the United States have improved.

Accepted Answer

Advancements in technology, methodologies, and an increased focus on data-driven decision-making have significantly improved the quality of data collection processes in the United States over the past 10-15 years.

Question 14

Health behavior theory is NOT well suited for health problems with environmental and social determinants.

Accepted Answer

Health behavior theory can be adapted to address environmental and social determinants of health by considering how these factors influence individual behaviors and by integrating multi-level approaches that target both individual and systemic change.

Question 15

In the United States, infectious diseases account for more deaths than chronic diseases.

Accepted Answer

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death in the United States, not infectious diseases.

Question 16

Public health professionals work and deliver services almost exclusively in traditional healthcare settings.

Accepted Answer

Public health professionals work in a variety of settings including government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and community-based organizations, not just in traditional healthcare settings.

Question 17

The rapid development of communication technologies provides an opportunity for health promotion activities to reach new and diverse populations.

Accepted Answer

The rapid development of communication technologies, such as social media, mobile apps, and online platforms, allows health promotion activities to be disseminated more widely and efficiently, reaching diverse populations across different geographical locations and demographic groups.

Question 18

Health behavior research developments are primarily the responsibility of medical practitioners.

Accepted Answer

Health behavior research is a multidisciplinary field involving not only medical practitioners but also psychologists, public health professionals, sociologists, and experts from various other disciplines to understand and address the factors influencing health behaviors.

Question 19

Although access to healthcare is more available than ever, disparities in access exist between those of higher and lower socio-economic status.

Accepted Answer

Despite improvements in healthcare access globally, individuals with higher socio-economic status often have better access to healthcare services, resources, and quality care compared to those with lower socio-economic status, leading to disparities in health outcomes.

Question 20

Environmental and structural level behavior change interventions are largely ineffective in improving population health.

Accepted Answer

Environmental and structural level behavior change interventions, such as policies on tobacco control, urban planning for physical activity, and improved access to healthy foods, have been shown to be effective in improving population health by addressing the broader determinants of health.

Quiz 1: The Scope of Health Behavior