Models and Theories of Health Promotion in Maternity Practice
With Sophie and Theo, Sociology & Mental Health Specialist
Key Takeaways
- Models give us a framework to understand behaviour and plan interventions.
- Without them, health promotion can become ad hoc.
- The Health Belief Model is a good starting point.
- It suggests behaviour is shaped by perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits of action, and barriers.
- The model also includes cues to action — a friend's experience, a leaflet, a midwife's conversation — and self-efficacy, the belief that she can make the change.
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Full Transcript
Sophie: Today we're exploring models of health promotion in maternity practice. I'm Sophie, joined by Theo, our Sociology and Mental Health Specialist. Theo, why do midwives need to know about theoretical models?
Theo: Models give us a framework to understand behaviour and plan interventions. Without them, health promotion can become ad hoc. With them, we can be systematic and evidence-based.
Sophie: Can you walk us through one of the key models?
Theo: The Health Belief Model is a good starting point. It suggests behaviour is shaped by perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits of action, and barriers. For example, a woman may not take folic acid if she doesn't see herself as at risk.
Sophie: So understanding her perception matters as much as the clinical fact?
What should learners understand about models and theories of health promotion in maternity practice?
Theo: Precisely. The model also includes cues to action — a friend's experience, a leaflet, a midwife's conversation — and self-efficacy, the belief that she can make the change.
Sophie: What about the Stages of Change model?
Theo: Also called the Transtheoretical Model. It identifies precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Midwives shouldn't push someone in precontemplation straight to action — that backfires.
Sophie: So meeting the woman where she is?
Theo: Exactly. Motivational interviewing fits well here — it's non-judgmental and collaborative, helping women explore their own ambivalence about change.
What should learners understand about models and theories of health promotion in maternity practice?
Sophie: Are there limitations to these models in a midwifery context?
Theo: Most were developed in individualistic Western contexts. They can underplay structural factors — poverty, housing, domestic abuse — that constrain what's actually possible for a woman.
Sophie: So a model like the social ecological model might offer more?
Theo: Yes. It maps individual behaviour within layers — family, community, systems, policy. A midwife can't fix poverty, but she can understand how it shapes a woman's choices and advocate accordingly.
Sophie: That feels like a more honest and compassionate approach to health promotion in practice.
Why is models and theories of health promotion in maternity practice important in midwifery practice?
Theo: It is. And critically, it shifts blame away from individual women and towards the systems that shape their lives — which is where meaningful change often needs to happen.