The article provides a critical review of 29 HBM-related investigations published between 1974 and 1984, along with findings from 17 studies conducted before 1974, totaling 46 HBM studies (18 prospective, 28 retrospective). The studies examined preventive health behaviors (PHB), sick-role behaviors (SRB), and clinic utilization. The "significance ratio" was constructed to assess the statistical significance of findings for each HBM dimension. The results show substantial empirical support for the HBM, with prospective studies yielding findings at least as favorable as those from retrospective research. "Perceived barriers" were found to be the most powerful dimension across various study designs and behaviors. "Perceived susceptibility" was a stronger contributor to understanding PHB, while "perceived benefits" were more influential in SRB. "Perceived severity" had the lowest overall significance ratios but was strongly related to SRB. The authors recommend incorporating HBM dimensions into health education programming and suggest further research directions.The article provides a critical review of 29 HBM-related investigations published between 1974 and 1984, along with findings from 17 studies conducted before 1974, totaling 46 HBM studies (18 prospective, 28 retrospective). The studies examined preventive health behaviors (PHB), sick-role behaviors (SRB), and clinic utilization. The "significance ratio" was constructed to assess the statistical significance of findings for each HBM dimension. The results show substantial empirical support for the HBM, with prospective studies yielding findings at least as favorable as those from retrospective research. "Perceived barriers" were found to be the most powerful dimension across various study designs and behaviors. "Perceived susceptibility" was a stronger contributor to understanding PHB, while "perceived benefits" were more influential in SRB. "Perceived severity" had the lowest overall significance ratios but was strongly related to SRB. The authors recommend incorporating HBM dimensions into health education programming and suggest further research directions.