The Health Belief Model (HBM) and social cognitive theory (SCT) are both used to explain and influence health-related behavior. The HBM focuses on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers, while SCT emphasizes self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and incentives. The authors propose integrating self-efficacy into the HBM as a separate independent variable, along with the traditional HBM variables. This revised model includes self-efficacy, health motivation, and outcome expectations, and excludes locus of control as it is considered to be incorporated within other elements. The new model is predicted to better explain health behavior and suggest more effective interventions. The HBM and SCT share conceptual similarities, as both are based on value-expectancy theories. The HBM emphasizes the importance of perceived threats and the benefits of action, while SCT adds the dimension of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to perform a behavior, is crucial for behavior change. The authors argue that the HBM has overlooked self-efficacy, which may limit its explanatory power. Incorporating self-efficacy into the HBM can enhance its ability to predict and influence behavior. Self-efficacy can be developed through performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. Health educators can use these sources to enhance self-efficacy in patients. For example, physicians can use performance-based interventions, such as exercise programs, to increase self-efficacy in post-coronary patients. Additionally, patient-provider contracts can be used to enhance self-efficacy by setting achievable goals and reinforcing success. The authors suggest that incorporating self-efficacy into the HBM will provide a more comprehensive understanding of health behavior. They emphasize the importance of assessing self-efficacy in addition to traditional HBM variables. This approach can lead to more effective interventions and better health outcomes. The integration of self-efficacy into the HBM represents a significant advancement in health behavior theory and practice.The Health Belief Model (HBM) and social cognitive theory (SCT) are both used to explain and influence health-related behavior. The HBM focuses on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers, while SCT emphasizes self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and incentives. The authors propose integrating self-efficacy into the HBM as a separate independent variable, along with the traditional HBM variables. This revised model includes self-efficacy, health motivation, and outcome expectations, and excludes locus of control as it is considered to be incorporated within other elements. The new model is predicted to better explain health behavior and suggest more effective interventions. The HBM and SCT share conceptual similarities, as both are based on value-expectancy theories. The HBM emphasizes the importance of perceived threats and the benefits of action, while SCT adds the dimension of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to perform a behavior, is crucial for behavior change. The authors argue that the HBM has overlooked self-efficacy, which may limit its explanatory power. Incorporating self-efficacy into the HBM can enhance its ability to predict and influence behavior. Self-efficacy can be developed through performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. Health educators can use these sources to enhance self-efficacy in patients. For example, physicians can use performance-based interventions, such as exercise programs, to increase self-efficacy in post-coronary patients. Additionally, patient-provider contracts can be used to enhance self-efficacy by setting achievable goals and reinforcing success. The authors suggest that incorporating self-efficacy into the HBM will provide a more comprehensive understanding of health behavior. They emphasize the importance of assessing self-efficacy in addition to traditional HBM variables. This approach can lead to more effective interventions and better health outcomes. The integration of self-efficacy into the HBM represents a significant advancement in health behavior theory and practice.