Which combination of constructs is part of the Health Belief Model and addresses barriers in an intervention?

• A. Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, cues to action
• B. Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action
• C. Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy
• D. Perceived susceptibility, benefits, and barriers only

Answer: (C)

TheHealth Belief Model explains health behavior by looking at how threatened a person feels by a condition and how they weigh the potential benefits against the barriers to taking action. The best choice includes perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. This combination covers the core idea of threat (susceptibility and severity) and the practical realities of taking action (benefits vs. barriers), while also providing triggers to act (cues to action) and the person’s confidence in their ability to perform the behavior (self-efficacy). Addressing barriers directly is crucial in an intervention because even when people recognize a benefit, real obstacles can prevent action; reducing those barriers or boosting self-efficacy helps translate intention into behavior. The other options miss one or more of these elements, such as omitting barriers or self-efficacy, which limits the model’s ability to guide effective interventions.