Using the COM-B model to identify barriers and facilitators towards adoption of a diet associated with cognitive function (MIND diet).

Deirdre Timlin,Jacqueline M Mccormack,Ellen Ea Simpson

doi:10.1017/s1368980020001445

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify components of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) model that influences behaviour to modify dietary patterns in 40-55-year-olds living in the UK, in order to influence the risk of cognitive decline in later life. This is a qualitative study using the COM-B model and theoretical domains framework (TDF) to explore beliefs to adopting the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet. Northern Ireland. Twenty-five participants were recruited onto the study to take part in either a focus group or an interview. Participants were men and women aged between 40 and 55 years. Participants were recruited via email, Facebook and face to face. Content analysis revealed that the main perceived barriers to the adoption of the MIND diet were time, work environment, taste preference and convenience. The main perceived facilitators reported were improved health, memory, planning and organisation, and access to good quality food. This study provides insight into the personal, social and environmental factors that participants report as barriers and facilitators to the adoption of the MIND diet among middle-aged adults living in the UK. More barriers to healthy dietary change were found than facilitators. Future interventions that increase capability, opportunity and motivation may be beneficial. The results from this study will be used to design a behaviour change intervention using the subsequent steps from the Behaviour Change Wheel.

Highlights

This study found that the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet score was more predictive of cognitive decline than either the Mediterranean diet or DASH diet
The theoretical domains framework (TDF) can be mapped onto the overarching COM-B model[21], which posits that three key components are necessary for any behaviour—capability, opportunity and motivation
Findings from this study provide insight into the personal, social and environmental factors that participants report as barriers and facilitators to adoption of the MIND diet among middle-aged adults living in the UK

Summary

Methods

Design A mixed methods qualitative design was used to elicit beliefs surrounding Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) with adopting the ‘MIND’ diet. Capability, motivation and opportunity were further elaborated into fourteen domains, using a more detailed tool to understand behaviour, the TDF. Interviews and focus groups generate different information from participants. In accordance with the COM-B framework, collecting information to understand the target behaviour, data should be collected from different sources as the most accurate picture will be informed by multiple perspectives; both focus groups and interviews were conducted[21] and lasting between 30 and 60 min each (see Table 1). The interview and focus group questions were based on guidance using the COM-B(21) model and TDF[22] (Table 1). The model and framework were used both in developing the interview schedule and informing the content analyses used. The TDF can be mapped onto the overarching COM-B model[21], which posits that three key components are necessary for any behaviour—capability, opportunity and motivation

Results

Discussion

Conclusion