Obstacles to Improving Health - Coursework Example

Behavioral change is a key objective of public health interventions towards the prevention of numerous diseases. Studies have shown that almost 80% of all health complications are caused by behavioral factors such as smoking, poor eating habits, inactivity, and substance abuse, just to mention (Ryan et al., 2013). It is in the light of this background that this paper highlights some of the obstacles to behavior change and how they can be addressed.

One of the most significant barriers to behavior change is lack of self-discipline. In other words, without self-discipline, most individuals are unable to change some of their bad habits and adopt new ones. For instance, research has shown that poor nutrition, smoking, and lack of exercise are among the leading causes of type 2 diabetes (DHSS, 2014). In this regard, many patients are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and good nutrition. However, a majority of the patients are unable to adhere to their doctors instructions due to lack of self-discipline.

Another obstacle to behavior change is lack of motivation. In this case, many people, particularly, patients find it difficult to adopt healthy habits due to lack of motivation and support from their friends and families (Simons-Morton et al., 2012). Additionally, some of them are not patient enough to reap the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle because they expect instant results and thus limit their chances of changing their behavioral risk factors.

Various steps can be undertaken to address some of the barriers to behavior change. According to the cognitive behavioral theory (CBT), individuals cognition play an important role in the maintenance and development of their behavior and emotional response to life situations (Simons-Morton et al., 2012). In this regard, healthcare providers can use cognitive behavioral therapy to help their patients adopt a healthy lifestyle and change some of their bad habits such as smoking, inactivity, and substance abuse, among others. Moreover, persons can be encouraged to join support groups and programs to overcome their bad habits.

In conclusion, behavioral change is an important element towards the prevention of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. There are, however, various factors that hinder this process in some individuals such as lack of self-discipline and motivation. In this regard, healthcare providers are recommended to use CBT to help their patients adopt healthy lifestyles and habits. Moreover, persons are advised to join support groups and programs to find motivation in overcoming some of their bad habits.

References

DHSS, U. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking-50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General: Reports of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: US DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health.

Ryan, R. M., Patrick, H., Deci, E. L., & Williams, G. C. (2013). Facilitating health behaviour change and its maintenance: Interventions based on cognitive behavioral theory. European Health Psychologist, 10(1), 2-5.

Simons-Morton, B., McLeroy, K. R., & Wendel, M. L. (2012). Behavior theory in health promotion practice and research. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.