scholarly journals Are we speaking the same language? Call for action to improve theory application and reporting in behaviour change research

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Willmott ◽  
Sharyn Rundle-Thiele

AbstractInconsistencies are evident in definitions and interpretations of theory, application of theory, and reporting of theory use within the behaviour change field impeding cumulative knowledge advancement. Standardised frameworks and methods are needed to support the definition, application, and reporting of theory, and to assist researchers in understanding how theory should be applied to build cumulative knowledge over time. Progress is being made with the development of ontologies, taxonomies, methods for mapping interventions, and coding schemes; however, consolidation is needed to improve levels and quality of theory use, and to facilitate the translation of theory-driven research in practice. This paper discusses the importance of rigorous theory application and reporting in health-related behaviour change research and outlines the need for a standardised framework that supports both researchers and practitioners in designing, implementing, and evaluating theory-driven interventions in a concrete and consistent manner. To this end, several recommendations are provided to facilitate the development of a standardised framework that supports theory application and reporting in the behaviour change field. Concrete and consistent theory application and reporting will permit critical appraisal within and across studies, thereby advancing cumulative knowledge of behaviour change over time.

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 1490-1501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorien Brouwer-Goossensen ◽  
Lenneke van Genugten ◽  
Hester F. Lingsma ◽  
Diederik W. J. Dippel ◽  
Peter J. Koudstaal ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominika Kwasnicka ◽  
Justin Presseau ◽  
Martin White ◽  
Falko F. Sniehotta

Author(s):  
Megan Racey ◽  
David Machmueller ◽  
David Field ◽  
Verena Kulak ◽  
Genevieve S. Newton

Abstract Background: Understanding how adolescents acquire health knowledge and where they currently seek answers to health-related questions may facilitate the development of interventions that will be both engaging and effective, and may help to improve health over the short- and long-term. Objective: The present study sought to investigate the perception and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents as stratified by gender. Methods: Thirty 50-min long focus groups were conducted with 143 participants. Focus group questions were built around the following three main categories: sources of knowledge, including preferred sources, sources accessed for general health, and sources accessed for personal/sensitive health; health information and behaviour change, including characteristics of health knowledge presentation that have influenced behaviour change; and learning preferences to promote behaviour change. Content analysis of focus group transcripts was performed. Results: The use of sources of health knowledge was similar between genders, with some differences noted between sources accessed for general as compared to personal health questions. As well, motivation appeared to be the primary influence of health behaviour change, with knowledge being reported as both as positive and neutral influence, most notably in the areas of diet and exercise. Lastly, adolescents reported several characteristics of health knowledge presentation that they felt would motivate positive behaviour change, including engaging and participatory activities. Conclusion: These results should be considered in the development of interventions to improve health-related behaviour in adolescents, although future research to quantify the use of sources of health knowledge by this population is recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria A. Goodyear ◽  
Ian Boardley ◽  
Shin-Yi Chiou ◽  
Sally A. M. Fenton ◽  
Kyriaki Makopoulou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This mixed methods study explored how social media use informed physical activity and diet-related behaviours, and self-perceived Quality of Life (QoL) during COVID-19, and assessed the contextual factors that drive social media use for health-related behaviour change in diverse groups. During the COVID-19 lockdown periods there were reported changes to social media use and health behaviours, and this gave an opportunity to investigate potential relationships. Methods An explanatory sequential research design of two parts was used: (1) An online survey that assessed social media use in relation to physical activity levels, diet quality and QoL (n = 786; Mage 45.1 ± 19.1 (range 16–88) years; Female =69%); (2) 20 purposive focus groups (n = 69; Mage = 52.88 ± 18.45 years, Female n = 68%) to understand the contextual factors that drive social media use for health-related behaviour change. Descriptive and thematic analysis were conducted. Results Participants in this study reported that social media facilitated the self-management of behaviours related to physical activity, diet and QoL, through access to information to inform workouts and dietary quality, and the opportunities for interaction with peers, family members and within social groups. Contextual factors including work, home and lifestyle arrangements, pre-existing health-related knowledge and behaviours, and the perceived value of social media for health influenced the relationship between social media use and self-reported outcomes. Social media influencers, peers/family members, and official organisations influenced the application of health-related information accessed via social media. Conclusions The evidence shows that participants were critical users of social media and were able to use social media to derive benefit for their health and wellbeing. Detailed guidance for those who use social media, as well as those who recommend and endorse social media content is required to maximise the potential of social media to support health behaviours. Future public health strategies and social media interventions should acknowledge diversity in contextual factors driving social media use for health behaviour change.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (669) ◽  
pp. e252-e259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Talbot ◽  
Emily Strong ◽  
Sarah Peters ◽  
Debbie M Smith

BackgroundPregnancy is widely recognised as a ‘teachable moment’ for healthy behaviour change and the postnatal period has been identified as the opportune time to initiate this change. In the UK, all women are offered a routine health check at 6–8 weeks postpartum with their GP. This provides a potential opportunity to facilitate long-term behaviour change discussions.AimTo explore GPs’ views and experiences of using the postnatal check as a health-related behaviour change opportunity.Design and settingA qualitative, inductive study in general practice.MethodSemi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 18 GPs. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsOne theme emerged from the data: the postnatal check is an unrealised opportunity to facilitate health-related behaviour change. This theme was organised into three subthemes: opportunity for health-related behaviour change; role responsibility; and patient-led versus GP-led behaviour change.ConclusionAlthough GPs recognise the postnatal check as a potential opportunity for health-related behaviour change, it is underutilised as they do not perceive this to be the purpose of the check and are uncertain as to their role in facilitating lifestyle changes. To enable this long-term lifestyle behaviour change opportunity to be utilised more fully, further research is needed to understand women’s expectations of the postnatal checks and the scope for further recommendations, guidance, and communication training around behaviour change.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document