On the practical applicability of stage models to health promotion and health education

Objective: To assess the applicability of stage models to the practice of health promotion and health education. Methods: A description of the main features of two stage models, the Health Behavior Adoption Model and the Transtheoretical Model, and a conceptual analysis of their commonalities and practical applicability is presented. Results: Many similarities between the models and justification for the general thinking are found. Stage models are observed to render conceptual clarity and practical benefits to health education and health promotion, in particular by providing order and direction to their planning and implementation. Conclusion Stage models are seen to provide a valuable conceptual addition to the practice of health promotion and health education.