Introduction
The project’s aim is to reduce incidences of obesity among adolescents. Currently, there is an 18.5% obesity prevalence rate among adolescents in the United States. Obesity at early ages in life expose the teenagers to other health conditions which diminish the quality of life.
Theory/Framework
Two theoretical frameworks were applied in this project. These are the Health Belief Model as well as the Social Cognitive Theory. The HBM ensures that the psychological perspective of the individual is triggered. This further translates into a positive behavioral change. They will then engage in better lifestyle practices such as proper dieting as well as regular physical activity. The social cognitive theory, will examine the impact of social facets on health behavior. SCT will be crucial in the acquisition of knowledge that will ensure the teenagers adopt better lifestyle practices.
PICOT
Will application of the Health Belief Model facilitate a reduction of obesity rates among obese adolescents within 6 months.
The intervention in this sense is ensuring the adolescents conceive the importance of lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular physical exercises.
Literature Review
Wang et al, (2022) established that family-based interventions had a higher success in reduction of BMI, and subsequently elimination of obesity among the teenagers. Hu & Staiano (2020) supported the idea that schools should develop curriculum that will prompt adherence to healthy behaviors among the adolescents. This will ensure efficient understanding on the implications of better lifestyle choices. They will further have a positive attitude towards these positive health practices.
Proposal & Conclusion
HBM and SCT have had a huge impact in identifying barriers to a healthy life, in addition to identification of gainful knowledge on impactful health behaviors. In order for the project to be successfully implemented, it is conducted on a communal front. This means that several stakeholders are involved. These stakeholders include social workers, parents, healthcare professionals as well as education staff. They will advocate for and facilitate implementation of regular physical activities as well as proper dieting. An evaluation will be premised on whether the subjects have a proficient understanding of the implications of obesity and adherence to healthy practices. At the end of the intervention, there will be an assessment on the BMI of the participants, and then compared to initial records that were obtained at the beginning of the project.