Theoretical modeling to predict physiological indicants of cardiac preventive behaviors.

The Preventive Behavior Model was tested and expanded to explore the influence of perceived barriers, benefits, health value orientations, and certain health care activities on physiological outcomes. Data from 41 subjects from a health screening program were analyzed. Four empirical models resulted, explaining 39%, 45%, 66%, and 47% of the variance in cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Significant variables in the four models provide important clues for understanding factors that influence physiological outcomes of risk factor reduction.