Abstract
BackgroundTo help implement behavior change interventions (BCIs) it is important to be able to characterize their key components and determine their effectiveness.PurposeThis study assessed and compared the components of BCIs in terms of intervention functions identified using the Behaviour Change Wheel Framework (BCW) and in terms of their specific behavior change techniques (BCTs) identified using the BCT TaxonomyV1, across six behavioral domains and the association of these with cost-effectiveness. MethodsBCIs in 251 studies targeting smoking, diet, exercise, sexual health, alcohol and multiple health behaviors, were specified in terms of their intervention functions and their BCTs, grouped into 16 categories. Associations with cost-effectiveness measured in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) upper and lower estimates were determined using regression analysis. ResultsThe most prevalent functions were increasing knowledge through education (72.1%) and imparting skills through training (74.9%). The most prevalent BCT groupings were shaping knowledge (86.5%), changing behavioral antecedents (53.0%), supporting self-regulation (47.7%), and providing social support (44.6%). Intervention functions associated with better cost-effectiveness were those based on training (βlow = −15044.3; p = .002), persuasion (βlow = −19384.9; p = .001; βupp = −25947.6; p < .001) and restriction (βupp = −32286.1; p = .019), and with lower cost-effectiveness were those based on environmental restructuring (β = 15023.9low; p = .033). BCT groupings associated with better cost-effectiveness were goals and planning (βlow = −8537.3; p = .019 and βupp = −12416.9; p = .037) and comparison of behavior (βlow = −13561.9, p = .047 and βupp = −30650.2; p = .006). Those associated with lower cost-effectiveness were natural consequences (βlow = 7729.4; p = .033) and reward and threat (βlow = 20106.7; p = .004).ConclusionsBCIs that focused on training, persuasion and restriction may be more cost-effective, as may those that encourage goal setting and comparison of behaviors with others.
Highlights
Physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unprotected sex, and poor diet cost the National Health Service (NHS) in England more than £14 billion per year [1,2,3,4] and adversely affect the local economy [5,6,7]
Intervention functions associated with better cost-effectiveness were those based on training, persuasion and restriction, and with lower cost-effectiveness were those based on environmental restructuring (β = 15023.9low; p = .033)
behavior change interventions (BCIs) that focused on training, persuasion and restriction may be more cost-effective, as may those that encourage goal setting and comparison of behaviors with others
Summary
Physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unprotected sex, and poor diet cost the National Health Service (NHS) in England more than £14 billion per year [1,2,3,4] and adversely affect the local economy [5,6,7]. This study aims to provide an evidence synthesis of the key components of BCIs across six domains (smoking, diet, physical activity, alcohol, sexual health, and multiple behaviors) and the association of these with cost-effectiveness using a reliable theory-based coding system [10, 11]. Consideration of cost-effective and not just effective interventions is important as it will aid evidence-based practice and the application of BCIs in the public domain. To help implement behavior change interventions (BCIs) it is important to be able to characterize their key components and determine their effectiveness. Purpose This study assessed and compared the components of BCIs in terms of intervention functions identified using the Behaviour Change Wheel Framework (BCW) and in terms of their specific behavior change techniques (BCTs) identified using the BCT TaxonomyV1, across six behavioral domains and the association of these with cost-effectiveness
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
