Health from Psychological Perspective - Winning the Losing Game

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly affect the general as well as the military population. Despite advances in the science of prevention and management, incidence of NCDs and its complications continue to escalate. Regardless of rigorous medical screenings, periodic medical check-ups, adherence to a high standard of discipline and intense physical activity, military population does not appear to be spared from this problem. Since NCDs are largely a lifestyle disease, behaviour modification is one of the most important, if at all, a critical factor that contributes to the success of NCDs’ management. This article explores the importance of psychology in human behaviour related to NCDs; misconceptions about behaviour change and elucidate to how health psychology ought to be integrated into its management.