3.4: Behavior change steps:

As mentioned above,  Behavior change is a complex process: even though                                                    

 the steps of behaviour change  are presented in ascending order.  Actually, the adoption  of a new behavior  is done in discontinuous way. Indeed, it is done, sometimes in progressing, and other times in regressing. Furthermore, when the behaviour is adopted, it is possible that the person, the community or the institution come back to its old / previous habits.

Thus, the steps of behavior change include:

1. Step 1 ( Contemplation /  Information) :+  Awareness on the Health issue : Information  are provided  by health professionals.

 An individual well informed will develop

                                           +  a Risk perception for Health linked to the problem:

                                   - for the society ( is this problem a threat

for the society ?),

                      -for the individual himself ( is this problem  a

threat to my health? ), if Yes,

 “the individual feels concerned  by this problem “. For example, in

                        HIV/AIDS = the individual has a risk perception of being

                        infected and then he undergoes an HIV testing for knowing  his  HIV status.

                        Note that this stage is considered as” the most critical step”. In case of any failure, further steps will not be reached.

2. Step 2 ( Motivation )  :     .To have  a high commitment, personal ,                  

 to change  behavior:

                                    (x self-confidence / confidence

                                    in his capacity to decision making and to put in action decision made.

                                    (x feel capable to change  behavior).

                                 .  To have a strong motivation for behaviour change

                          (key benefits /  future ambitions).

3. Step 3 (  Preparation) ):           To  be ready to change  behaviour

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                                      ( Example :  In HIV / AIDS , Purchase of condoms and convince his partner for its use ).                                                                                                                                                                    

 4. Step 4 ( Action ) :  To test a new behavior (To use a condom during the sexual intercourse ).

 5. Stage 5 ( Maintenance ):Adoption  and  Maintenance   of a new behavior

                                        (6 months and over).