The conceptual framework identified for this project is Nola Penders Health Promotion Model.

Penders model focuses on interventions that affect communities, therefore producing a healthier population. Pender defined health as not only the absence of disease, but a positive dynamic state of well being (1996). The HPM was proposed by Pender in 1982 and revised in 1996. The model illustrates the multifaceted nature of persons interrelating to their environment in pursuit of health. Pender (1996) reports three concepts that are central to this model individual characteristics and experiences, behavior specific cognitions and affect, and behavioral outcomes. Those studies utilizing the revised model indicate perceived self-efficacy, benefits, and barriers are better predictors of and have greater influence on health related behaviors (Pender,1996, pg.65) . While the HPM was developed to explain health promoting behaviors, it can also be used for health-protecting behaviors (Pender et al., 2002). This author used four criteria from Dudley-Brown (1997) to evaluate the HPM to ensure its suitability for the clinical issue at hand. First, the HPM has demonstrated fruitfulness as it describes new phenomenon and reveals relationships between existing phenomenon that were previously unknown. Secondly, it is widely accepted and been used by professions other than nursing. Thirdly, the model has been tested across cultures, includes culturally congruent beliefs, values, traditions, and expectations, lending itself to socio-cultural utility. Lastly, it is linguistically consistent, with logical order, clarity, and connectedness.