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Article: Behavioral Change
- Article from:
- Encyclopedia of Public Health
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
Many behaviors are related to health and health risks. Unprotected sexual intercourse, for example, is a behavior that puts one at risk for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and other sexually transmitted infections. Similarly, maintaining an unhealthful diet is a behavior that puts one at risk for cardiovascular disease. Many health promotion interventions seek to turn people away from risky behaviors and toward healthful behaviors, such as using condoms when having sexual intercourse and following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Behavior change is a complex process. Positive health-related changes come about when people learn about risks and ways of enhancing ...