According to the health belief model, what drives people to change their health behaviors?

The health belief model emphasizes that a personal belief in being at risk—specifically, the perception of susceptibility to a health issue—significantly motivates individuals to change their health behaviors. This model suggests that when individuals recognize that they are vulnerable to a particular health problem, they are more likely to take action to mitigate that risk, such as adopting healthier behaviors or seeking preventive care.

This belief in personal risk acts as a catalyst for individuals to evaluate their current behaviors and consider changes, making it a central tenet of the model. Recognizing one’s susceptibility can lead to increased awareness, which often encourages proactive steps towards improving health outcomes.

While effectiveness of treatments, advice from healthcare providers, and family or community influences can play important roles in health behavior change, the core driver according to the health belief model is the individual's perception of their own risk regarding health issues.