scholarly journals Applying translational behavioural science to improve people’s health

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Nagyova
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Change Models ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Behavioural Aspects

Abstract Background The rising burden of chronic diseases poses a challenge for the whole public health system, and to deal with this we need to address the socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioural aspects of health and its determinants. While a change in individual 'lifestyle' factors, such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol are often the target of intervention design, there needs to be an acknowledgement that behavioural science is much more than just 'lifestyle choice' on the individual level. Governments worldwide are increasingly incorporating the behavioural insights approach into policymaking. There has been an increasing interest in 'choice architecture' and 'nudging' to facilitate behaviour (change), often by manipulating elements of the environment. Designing interventions that target the most important determinants of behaviour, based on research evidence in the field of behavioural science, provide the best chance of changing behaviour and demonstrating a positive impact in terms of health outcomes and cost-effectiveness. However, knowing what works and how to apply it presents an ongoing challenge. Results The COM-B, EAST, and MOST are behaviour change models that were built on an impressive effort to synthesize available evidence regarding intervention development frameworks, behaviour change theories, and behaviour change techniques. They tackle determinants of behaviour in terms of capability, opportunity, and motivation on the level of the individual (micro level), alongside ways in which to intervene, at mezzo level (intervention functions) and macro level (policy categories). Conclusions These approaches take a holistic view of interventions and can contribute to the development of new scientific knowledge regarding mechanisms underlying effective knowledge mobilization in behaviour change. They are also expected to further support the adoption of the evidence-based practices within the field of public health.

scholarly journals The impact of nature-based interventions on public health: a review using pathways, mechanisms and behaviour change techniques from environmental social science and health behaviour change

2021 ◽  
Vol 9s7 ◽  
pp. 33-61
Author(s):  
Stephanie Wilkie ◽  
Nicola Davinson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Change Models ◽  
Health Behaviour Change ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Environmental Social Science

The aim of this narrative review is to explore whether nature-based interventions improved individual public health outcomes and health behaviours, using a conceptual framework that included pathways and pathway domains, mechanisms, and behaviour change techniques derived from environmental social science theory and health behaviour change models. A two-stage scoping methodology was used to identified studies published between 2000 and 2021. Peer reviewed, English-language reports of nature-based interventions with adults (N = 9) were included if the study met the definition of a health�behaviour change intervention and reported at least one measured physical/mental health outcome. Interventions focused on the restoring or building capacities pathway domains as part of the nature contact/experience pathway; varied health behaviour change mechanisms and techniques were present but environmental social-science-derived mechanisms to influence health outcomes were used less. Practical recommendations for future interventions include explicit statement of the targeted level of causation, as well as utilisation of both environmental social science and health behaviour change theories and varied public health outcomes to allow simultaneously testing of theoretical predictions.

scholarly journals Mobilizing knowledge in behaviour change to promote health; the case of the Behaviour Change Wheel

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Belanger-Gravel
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Behaviour Change Wheel ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Public Health Practitioners ◽  
Behavioural Sciences

Abstract Issue/problem Over the past decades, researchers from many fields have built an impressive body of knowledge regarding behaviour change. However, the use of this knowledge for accurately designing/delivering/executing behaviour change programs is challenging for many public health practitioners. Description of the problem To support effective knowledge mobilization in behaviour change and to build a coherent and useful body of scientific evidence, leading researchers in behavioural sciences have developed and refined a number of tools for designing interventions. Among these tools, the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was built on an impressive effort to synthetize available evidence regarding intervention development frameworks, behaviour change theories, and behaviour change techniques. However, studies highlighted some issues associated with the use of these methodological innovations. Working with our public health partners in the field of health communication, we realized that applying models such as the BCW is far from being mundane practices. To support optimal knowledge mobilization in behavioural sciences, we are developing a research agenda to understand perceptions and motivations of public health practitioners toward innovations such as the BCW and to develop and evaluate knowledge mobilization strategies. Results The initiative will contribute to the development of new scientific knowledge regarding mechanisms underlying effective knowledge mobilization in behaviour change and will further support the adoption of these evidence-based practices within the field of public health. Lessons Although rapidly adopted by the community of researchers, it is not clear whether or not public health practitioners would be as willing, or capable of using the BCW to design and deliver programs. Issues regarding knowledge mobilization in behaviour change should be addressed to improve the uptake of this knowledge in practice.

scholarly journals Content analysis of behaviour change techniques in government physical distancing communications for the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Hannah Durand ◽  
Jenny Mc Sharry ◽  
Oonagh Meade ◽  
Molly Byrne ◽  
Eanna Kenny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
School Settings ◽  
The Government ◽  
Insight Into

Background: Effective government communications and leadership are central to the management of pandemics. Behavioural science can offer important insight into the development of such communications strategies. The extent to which established behaviour-change science is reflected in current government messaging campaigns to promote adherence to physical distancing measures in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unclear. The current study aimed to describe the behaviour-change content of a set of government-issued poster communications for the reopening of schools in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. Methods: Posters targeting physical distancing behaviours in school settings were retrieved from the Government of Ireland website for analysis. Posters were independently coded for behaviour change techniques (BCTs) using the BCT Taxonomy Version 1, a hierarchically clustered taxonomy of 93 distinct BCTs across 16 groups. The Theories and Techniques tool was used to identify mechanisms of action (MoAs) linked to each of the identified BCTs. Eight posters were independently content-analysed by two members of the research team for BCTs and linked MoAs. Results: Eight unique BCTs from six unique groups were identified in at least one poster. These BCTs were linked with 11 unique MoAs through which behaviour change is theorised to occur. Several theoretically important groups of BCTs, such as Natural Consequences, Social Support, Shaping Knowledge, and Comparison of Behaviour, were underutilised or not included in any of the posters. Conclusion: Future poster communications could benefit from including additional BCTs from key groups, particularly Natural Consequences. This article provides proof-of-concept evidence for future evaluations of government public health communications for behaviour-change content using existing taxonomies and tools.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Digital Tools for Weight Loss Maintenance: The NoHoW Project

Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
R. James Stubbs ◽  
Cristiana Duarte ◽  
António L. Palmeira ◽  
Falko F. Sniehotta ◽  
Graham Horgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Digital Architecture

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Effective interventions and commercial programmes for weight loss (WL) are widely available, but most people regain weight. Few effective WL maintenance (WLM) solutions exist. The most promising evidence-based behaviour change techniques for WLM are self-monitoring, goal setting, action planning and control, building self-efficacy, and techniques that promote autonomous motivation (e.g., provide choice). Stress management and emotion regulation techniques show potential for prevention of relapse and weight regain. Digital technologies (including networked-wireless tracking technologies, online tools and smartphone apps, multimedia resources, and internet-based support) offer attractive tools for teaching and supporting long-term behaviour change techniques. However, many digital offerings for weight management tend not to include evidence-based content and the evidence base is still limited. <b><i>The Project:</i></b> First, the project examined why, when, and how many European citizens make WL and WLM attempts and how successful they are. Second, the project employed the most up-to-date behavioural science research to develop a digital toolkit for WLM based on 2 key conditions, i.e., self-management (self-regulation and motivation) of behaviour and self-management of emotional responses for WLM. Then, the NoHoW trial tested the efficacy of this digital toolkit in adults who achieved clinically significant (≥5%) WL in the previous 12 months (initial BMI ≥25). The primary outcome was change in weight (kg) at 12 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes included biological, psychological, and behavioural moderators and mediators of long-term energy balance (EB) behaviours, and user experience, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. <b><i>Impact:</i></b> The project will directly feed results from studies on European consumer behaviour, design and evaluation of digital toolkits self-management of EB behaviours into development of new products and services for WLM and digital health. The project has developed a framework and digital architecture for interventions in the context of EB tracking and will generate results that will help inform the next generation of personalised interventions for effective self-management of weight and health.

scholarly journals Behaviour change techniques and their mechanisms of action: a synthesis of links described in published intervention literature

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Naomi Carey ◽  
Lauren Connell Bohlen ◽  
Marie Johnston ◽  
Alexander Rothman ◽  
Marijn de Bruin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Behavioural Interventions ◽  
Empirically Supported ◽  
Development Evaluation

Background: Despite advances in behavioural science, there is no widely shared understanding of the ‘mechanisms of action’ (MoAs) through which individual behaviour change techniques (BCTs) have their effects. Cumulative progress in the development, evaluation and synthesis of behavioural interventions could be improved by identifying the MoAs through which BCTs are believed to bring about change. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the links between BCTs and MoAs described by authors of a corpus of published literature.Methods: Links between BCTs and MoAs were extracted by two coders from 277 behaviour change intervention articles. Binomial tests were conducted to provide an indication of the relative frequency of each link. Results: Of 77 BCTs coded, 70 were linked to at least one MoA. Of 26 MoAs, all but one were linked to at least one BCT. We identified 2636 BCT-MoA links in total (mean number of links per article = 9.56, SD = 13.80). The most frequently linked MoAs were ‘Beliefs about Capabilities’ and ‘Intention’. Binomial test results identified up to five MoAs linked to each of the BCTs (M = 1.71, range: 1-5), and up to eight BCTs for each of the MoAs (M = 3.63, range: 1-8). Conclusions: The BCT-MoA links described by intervention authors and identified in this extensive review present intervention developers and reviewers with a first level of systematically collated evidence. These findings provide a resource for the development of theory-based interventions, and for theoretical understanding of intervention evaluations. The extent to which these links are empirically supported requires systematic investigation.

scholarly journals Influences on NHS Health Check behaviours: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lou Atkins ◽  
Chryssa Stefanidou ◽  
Tim Chadborn ◽  
Katherine Thompson ◽  
Susan Michie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
Nhs Health Checks ◽  
Nhs Health Check

Abstract Background National Health Service Health Checks were introduced in 2009 to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and events. Since then, national evaluations have highlighted the need to maximise the programme’s impact by improving coverage and outputs. To address these challenges it is important to understand the extent to which positive behaviours are influenced across the NHS Health Check pathway and encourage the promotion or minimisation of behavioural facilitators and barriers respectively. This study applied behavioural science frameworks to: i) identify behaviours and actors relevant to uptake, delivery and follow up of NHS Health Checks and influences on these behaviours and; ii) signpost to example intervention content. Methods A systematic review of studies reporting behaviours related to NHS Health Check-related behaviours of patients, health care professionals (HCPs) and commissioners. Influences on behaviours were coded using theory-based models: COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Potential intervention types and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were suggested to target key influences. Results We identified 37 studies reporting nine behaviours and influences for eight of these. The most frequently identified influences were physical opportunity including HCPs having space and time to deliver NHS Health Checks and patients having money to adhere to recommendations to change diet and physical activity. Other key influences were motivational, such as beliefs about consequences about the value of NHS Health Checks and behaviour change, and social, such as influences of others on behaviour change. The following techniques are suggested for websites or smartphone apps: Adding objects to the environment, e.g. provide HCPs with electronic schedules to guide timely delivery of Health Checks to target physical opportunity, Social support (unspecified), e.g. include text suggesting patients to ask a colleague to agree in advance to join them in taking the ‘healthy option’ lunch at work; Information about health consequences, e.g. quotes and/or videos from patients talking about the health benefits of changes they have made.Conclusions Through the application of behavioural science we identified key behaviours and their influences which informed recommendations for intervention content. To ascertain the extent to which this reflects existing interventions we recommend a review of relevant evidence.

scholarly journals Examining the application of behaviour change theories in the context of infectious disease outbreaks and emergency response: a review of reviews

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale Weston ◽  
Athena Ip ◽  
Richard Amlôt
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Change Models ◽  
Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Abstract Background Behavioural science can play a critical role in combatting the effects of an infectious disease outbreak or public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The current paper presents a synthesis of review literature discussing the application of behaviour change theories within an infectious disease and emergency response context, with a view to informing infectious disease modelling, research and public health practice. Methods A scoping review procedure was adopted for the searches. Searches were run on PubMed, PsychInfo and Medline with search terms covering four major categories: behaviour, emergency response (e.g., infectious disease, preparedness, mass emergency), theoretical models, and reviews. Three further top-up reviews was also conducted using Google Scholar. Papers were included if they presented a review of theoretical models as applied to understanding preventative health behaviours in the context of emergency preparedness and response, and/or infectious disease outbreaks. Results Thirteen papers were included in the final synthesis. Across the reviews, several theories of behaviour change were identified as more commonly cited within this context, specifically, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Protection Motivation Theory, with support (although not universal) for their effectiveness in this context. Furthermore, the application of these theories in previous primary research within this context was found to be patchy, and so further work is required to systematically incorporate and test behaviour change models within public health emergency research and interventions. Conclusion Overall, this review identifies a range of more commonly applied theories with broad support for their use within an infectious disease and emergency response context. The Discussion section details several key recommendations to help researchers, practitioners, and infectious disease modellers to incorporate these theories into their work. Specifically, researchers and practitioners should base future research and practice on a systematic application of theories, beginning with those reported herein. Furthermore, infectious disease modellers should consult the theories reported herein to ensure that the full range of relevant constructs (cognitive, emotional and social) are incorporated into their models. In all cases, consultation with behavioural scientists throughout these processes is strongly recommended to ensure the appropriate application of theory.

scholarly journals How evolutionary behavioural sciences can help us understand behaviour in a pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 264-278
Author(s):  
Megan Arnot ◽  
Eva Brandl ◽  
O L K Campbell ◽  
Yuan Chen ◽  
Juan Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Inclusive Fitness ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Behavioural Sciences

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has brought science into the public eye and to the attention of governments more than ever before. Much of this attention is on work in epidemiology, virology and public health, with most behavioural advice in public health focusing squarely on ‘proximate’ determinants of behaviour. While epidemiological models are powerful tools to predict the spread of disease when human behaviour is stable, most do not incorporate behavioural change. The evolutionary basis of our preferences and the cultural evolutionary dynamics of our beliefs drive behavioural change, so understanding these evolutionary processes can help inform individual and government decision-making in the face of a pandemic. Lay summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought behavioural sciences into the public eye: Without vaccinations, stopping the spread of the virus must rely on behaviour change by limiting contact between people. On the face of it, “stop seeing people” sounds simple. In practice, this is hard. Here we outline how an evolutionary perspective on behaviour change can provide additional insights. Evolutionary theory postulates that our psychology and behaviour did not evolve to maximize our health or that of others. Instead, individuals are expected to act to maximise their inclusive fitness (i.e, spreading our genes) – which can lead to a conflict between behaviours that are in the best interests for the individual, and behaviours that stop the spread of the virus. By examining the ultimate explanations of behaviour related to pandemic-management (such as behavioural compliance and social distancing), we conclude that “good of the group” arguments and “one size fits all” policies are unlikely to encourage behaviour change over the long-term. Sustained behaviour change to keep pandemics at bay is much more likely to emerge from environmental change, so governments and policy makers may need to facilitate significant social change – such as improving life experiences for disadvantaged groups.

scholarly journals Influences on NHS Health Check behaviours: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lou Atkins ◽  
Chryssa Stefanidou ◽  
Tim Chadborn ◽  
Katherine Thompson ◽  
Susan Michie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
Nhs Health Checks ◽  
Nhs Health Check

Abstract Background National Health Service Health Checks were introduced in 2009 to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and events. Since then, national evaluations have highlighted the need to maximise the programme’s impact by improving coverage and outputs. To address these challenges it is important to understand the extent to which positive behaviours are influenced across the NHS Health Check pathway and encourage the promotion or minimisation of behavioural facilitators and barriers respectively. This study applied behavioural science frameworks to: i) identify behaviours and actors relevant to uptake, delivery and follow up of NHS Health Checks and influences on these behaviours and; ii) signpost to example intervention content. Methods A systematic review of studies reporting behaviours related to NHS Health Check-related behaviours of patients, health care professionals (HCPs) and commissioners. Influences on behaviours were coded using theory-based models: COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Potential intervention types and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were suggested to target key influences. Results We identified 37 studies reporting nine behaviours and influences for eight of these. The most frequently identified influences were physical opportunity including HCPs having space and time to deliver NHS Health Checks and patients having money to adhere to recommendations to change diet and physical activity. Other key influences were motivational, such as beliefs about consequences about the value of NHS Health Checks and behaviour change, and social, such as influences of others on behaviour change. The following techniques are suggested for websites or smartphone apps: Adding objects to the environment, e.g. provide HCPs with electronic schedules to guide timely delivery of Health Checks to target physical opportunity, Social support (unspecified), e.g. include text suggesting patients to ask a colleague to agree in advance to join them in taking the ‘healthy option’ lunch at work; Information about health consequences, e.g. quotes and/or videos from patients talking about the health benefits of changes they have made.Conclusions Through the application of behavioural science we identified key behaviours and their influences which informed recommendations for intervention content. To ascertain the extent to which this reflects existing interventions we recommend a review of relevant evidence.

scholarly journals Influences on NHS Health Check behaviours: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lou Atkins ◽  
Chryssa Stefanidou ◽  
Tim Chadborn ◽  
Katherine Thompson ◽  
Susan Michie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
Nhs Health Checks ◽  
Nhs Health Check

Abstract Background National Health Service Health Checks were introduced in 2009 to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and events. Since then, national evaluations have highlighted the need to maximise the programme’s impact by improving coverage and outputs. To address these challenges it is important to understand the extent to which positive behaviours are influenced across the NHS Health Check pathway and encourage the promotion or minimisation of behavioural facilitators and barriers respectively. This study applied behavioural science frameworks to: i) identify behaviours and actors relevant to uptake, delivery and follow up of NHS Health Checks and influences on these behaviours and; ii) signpost to example intervention content. Methods A systematic review of studies reporting behaviours related to NHS Health Check-related behaviours of patients, health care professionals (HCPs) and commissioners. Influences on behaviours were coded using theory-based models: COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Potential intervention types and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were suggested to target key influences. Results We identified 37 studies reporting nine behaviours and influences for eight of these. The most frequently identified influences were physical opportunity including HCPs having space and time to deliver NHS Health Checks and patients having money to adhere to recommendations to change diet and physical activity. Other key influences were motivational, such as beliefs about consequences about the value of NHS Health Checks and behaviour change, and social, such as influences of others on behaviour change. The following techniques are suggested for websites or smartphone apps: Adding objects to the environment, e.g. provide HCPs with electronic schedules to guide timely delivery of Health Checks to target physical opportunity, Social support (unspecified), e.g. include text suggesting patients to ask a colleague to agree in advance to join them in taking the ‘healthy option’ lunch at work; Information about health consequences, e.g. quotes and/or videos from patients talking about the health benefits of changes they have made. Conclusions Through the application of behavioural science we identified key behaviours and their influences which informed recommendations for intervention content. To ascertain the extent to which this reflects existing interventions we recommend a review of relevant evidence.

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