A structural model of health behavior: A pragmatic approach to explain andinfluence health behaviors at the population level

Background. Behavior is influenced by individual-level attributes as well a s by the conditions under which people Live. Altering policies, practices, and the conditions of life can directly and indirectly influence individual behavior. This paper builds on existing ecological theories of health beha vior by specifying structural mechanisms by which population-level factors effect change in individual health behaviors. Methods. This paper moves ecological theory from model building to a pragma tic characterization of structural interventions. We examined social and en vironmental factors beyond individual control and mechanisms as to how they influence behavior. Results. Four categories of structural factors are identified: (1) availabi lity of protective or harmful consumer products, (2) physical structures (o r physical characteristics of products), (3) social structures and policies , and (4) media and cultural messages. The first three can directly influen ce individuals through facilitating or constraining behavior. The fourth, m edia, operates by:changing individual-level attitudes, beliefs, and cogniti ons, as well as group norms. Conclusion. Interventions that target the four identified structural factor s are a means to provide conditions that not only reduce high-risk behavior but also prevent the adoption of high-risk behaviors. Structural intervent ions are important and underutilized approaches for improving our nation's health. 2000 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.