Socio-Ecological Model: Washing Hands
Rose-Bertine Mercier
University of Kansas
HSES 365: Peer Health Education
Handwashing is the first preventive step to reduce medical conditions caused by bacterial and fungi. In many cases, it is deemed as “do-it-yourself vaccine” (CDC, 2016). Many preventable diseases are caused by lack of hygienic practices. By properly “washing hands before and after preparing foods, eating foods, caring for the sick, after using the toilet, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and many more activities could reduce the spread of illnesses” (CDC, 2015). In order to understand the importance of washing hands and the effects it has, the socio-ecological model (SEM) is the method to use. The SEM is “a theory-based framework used to understand the multifaceted and interactive effects of personal and environmental factors which …show more content…
Individual level is understanding what characteristics affects an individual’s behavior based on their current knowledge and attitude (ACHA). Knowledge could either be a risk or protective factor. If one does not understand the importance of washing hands before and after activities with contact to possible bacterial and fungal contents, the likelihood that they will consistently wash their hands will decrease. However, if one is knowledgeable in the benefits of washing hands, their current behavior in washing hands could last throughout their lifetime. Attitude could also be a risk or protective factor. If one does hold a responsibility to wash their hands each time they eat or before and after preparing food, that influence their behavior to continue practicing the healthy habits. Opposite, one who is not concerned of their hygiene may contain the belief that washing hands are not an important factor to staying healthy. Understanding the influence that individual factors have in washing hands is important, but the second level, interpersonal can expand further
Rose-Bertine Mercier
University of Kansas
HSES 365: Peer Health Education
Handwashing is the first preventive step to reduce medical conditions caused by bacterial and fungi. In many cases, it is deemed as “do-it-yourself vaccine” (CDC, 2016). Many preventable diseases are caused by lack of hygienic practices. By properly “washing hands before and after preparing foods, eating foods, caring for the sick, after using the toilet, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and many more activities could reduce the spread of illnesses” (CDC, 2015). In order to understand the importance of washing hands and the effects it has, the socio-ecological model (SEM) is the method to use. The SEM is “a theory-based framework used to understand the multifaceted and interactive effects of personal and environmental factors which …show more content…
Individual level is understanding what characteristics affects an individual’s behavior based on their current knowledge and attitude (ACHA). Knowledge could either be a risk or protective factor. If one does not understand the importance of washing hands before and after activities with contact to possible bacterial and fungal contents, the likelihood that they will consistently wash their hands will decrease. However, if one is knowledgeable in the benefits of washing hands, their current behavior in washing hands could last throughout their lifetime. Attitude could also be a risk or protective factor. If one does hold a responsibility to wash their hands each time they eat or before and after preparing food, that influence their behavior to continue practicing the healthy habits. Opposite, one who is not concerned of their hygiene may contain the belief that washing hands are not an important factor to staying healthy. Understanding the influence that individual factors have in washing hands is important, but the second level, interpersonal can expand further