Health behavior theories as predictors of hearing-aid uptake and outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To understand hearing behaviors of adults seeking help for the first time through the application of two models of health behavior change: the transtheoretical model and the health belief model. Design: The relationships between attitudes and beliefs were examined relative to hearing-aid uptake and outcomes six months later. Study sample: One hundred and sixty adults completed the University of Rhode Island change assessment (targeting the transtheoretical model), and the hearing beliefs questionnaire (targeting the health belief model), as well as the hearing handicap inventory and the psychosocial impact of hearing loss scale, within two months of an initial hearing assessment. Six months later, participants completed these same questionnaires, while those who had taken up hearing aids also completed hearing-aid outcome questionnaires. Results: (1) Attitudes and beliefs were associated with future hearing-aid uptake, and were effective at modeling this behavior; (2) attitudes and beliefs changed following behavior change, and (3) attitudes and beliefs following behavior change were better predictors of hearing-aid outcomes than pre-behavior change attitudes and beliefs. Conclusion: A counseling-based intervention targeting the attitudes and beliefs assessed by the transtheoretical model and the health belief model has the potential to increase uptake of hearing health care.<p>Funding Agencies|Oticon Foundation; VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of Excellence [C9230C]</p

Application of Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model in Studying Attitudes and Behaviors of Adults with Hearing Loss: A Descriptive Review

“…Previous studies suggest those who are in later stages of change are more likely to seek help (Manchaiah et al, 2015, Ingo et al, 2016. Stages of change scores were not associated with intervention decisions (Laplante-Lévesque et al, 2011) or use (Ferguson et al, 2016b) but were associated with intervention uptake (Laplante-Lévesque et al, 2012) and intervention outcome (Ferguson et al, 2016b;Saunders et al, 2016b). Other demographic factors appear to have an association with stages of change.…”

Translating Public Health Practices: Community-Based Approaches for Addressing Hearing Health Care Disparities

“…This applies to whether hearing care involves the use of hearing aids and/or communication strategies. 43 CHW-led interventions can support behavior change, increase knowledge and satisfaction, and improve outcomes. 44 Additionally, CHWs also can educate health care professionals about the specific needs and relevant cultural nuances of the population receiving services.…”

Climbing up the hearing rehabilitation ladder

“…Several models from health psychology have therefore been investigated and discussed in audiology (e.g. Babeu et al, 2004;Ferguson, Maidment, Russell, Gregory, & Nicholson, 2016;Laplante-Lévesque et al, 2013;Ridgway et al, 2016;Saunders, Frederick, Silverman, Nielsen, & Laplante-Lévesque, 2016).…”

“…These can be explored using health behavior models to gain a better understanding of behavior change (Ferguson, Woolley, & Munro, 2016). Theories of motivation for health behavior change from health psychology have therefore been frequently discussed in audiology (Babeu et al, 2004;Ferguson, Maidment, et al, 2016;Laplante-Lévesque et al, 2013;Ridgway et al, 2016;Saunders et al, 2016Saunders et al, , 2013. The Transtheoretical Model (e.g.…”

“…Present findings are in line with previous studies on Stages of change along the hearing rehabilitation journey. In studies investigating Stages of change in people who seek help for the first time, a majority has been in action (Laplante-Lévesque, Hickson, & Worrall, 2013;Saunders, Frederick, Silverman, Nielsen, & Laplante-Lévesque, 2016). This can be compared to the findings from Milstein and Weinstein (2002) were older adults failing a face-to-face hearing screening were mostly in precontemplation and contemplation.…”