Individual Behavior Change Research Articles

Evaluating interventions to reduce behaviour associated with HCV reinfection in men who have sex with men: study protocol for a non-blinded, phase 2, randomised trial

BackgroundAs highly effective therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is available with rapid uptake, there is newfound optimism for HCV elimination. Nevertheless, certain key populations have a high risk of HCV reinfection, in particular men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western European countries. Modelling data indicate that HCV elimination will not be feasible without reduction in risk behaviour, thus supporting the need for effective interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviour and preventing reinfections in MSM.MethodsThe ICECREAM study is an international, multi-centred, phase 2, 3-arm randomised trial comparing run-in and intervention periods enrolling MSM with a history of a cured or spontaneously cleared HCV infection. Individuals are followed in routine care for 6 months (i.e. run-in period) and then randomly allocated (1:1:1) to one of the following: a tailored, interactive online risk-reduction behavioural intervention, a validated home-based HCV-RNA self-sampling test service using dried blood spots, or a combination of both. After randomisation, individuals are followed every 6 months until 18 months (i.e. intervention period). Interventions are delivered in addition to standard of care. Online questionnaire measuring risk behaviour over the past 6 months is administered at every visit. The primary outcome is the proportion at risk of HCV infection during run-in versus intervention periods assessed by using the HCV-MOSAIC risk score. The risk score consists of six self-reported HCV-related risk behaviours. Secondary outcomes include incidence of HCV reinfection, changes in the individual risk behaviour items and changes in sexual well-being since changes in sexual behaviour may have an impact on sexual experience. Two hundred forty-six MSM aged 18 years or older will be invited to participate.DiscussionThe ICECREAM study is a trial aimed at establishing interventions that could effectively decrease the incidence of HCV re-infection in MSM with a previous HCV infection. By offering an online behavioural risk-reduction intervention and HCV-RNA self-sampling, both of which are aimed to influence risk behaviour, we are able to provide products to at-risk MSM that could further reduce population-level HCV incidence and ultimately help reach HCV micro-elimination.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04156945. Registered on November 8, 2019

Testing the effectiveness of narrative messages using critical health communication

ABSTRACT Background: Latinos suffer from health disparities associated with excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of messaging using critical health communication approaches and delivered by two narrative modalities (video and comic book) with similar content that aims to empower Latinos to advocate for social change and to make individual behavior change related to sugary beverage consumption. Methods: Participants (N = 129 Mexican American women between 18 and 29 years) completed an online survey before and after exposure to an embedded stimulus. Participants were randomly assigned to a stimulus, a narrative message in video or comic book format, both developed using critical health communication approaches that focused on individual harms and social causes of sugary beverage consumption. Results: Paired sample t-test results showed that both narrative messages increased intentions to reduce sugary beverage consumption (Video: P < 0.01; d = 0.43; Comic: P = 0.03; d = 0.28). Both groups also demonstrated significant improvements in sugary beverage-related media literacy (Video: P = 0.01, d = 0.34; Comic: P = 0.05, d = 0.25), public health literacy (Video: P = 0.05, d = 0.24; Comic: P = 0.01, d = 0.32), and empowerment to engage in sugary beverage-related community movements (Video: P = 0.003, d = 0.38; Comic: P = 0.034, d = 0.27). Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence indicating the effectiveness of narrative messages in two modalities using critical health communication for promoting individual behavioral intention and social activation in reducing sugary beverage consumption.

Marine citizenship: The right to participate in the transformation of the human-ocean relationship for sustainability.

Marine citizenship is a relatively new field of enquiry and research to date has focused on individual pro-environmental behaviour change as an expression of responsibility towards the ocean. The field is underpinned by knowledge-deficit and technocratic approaches to behaviour change such as awareness raising, ocean literacy, and environmental attitudes research. In this paper we develop an interdisciplinary and inclusive conceptualisation of marine citizenship. We use mixed methods to study the views and experiences of active marine citizens in the United Kingdom to broaden understandings of marine citizens' characterisation of marine citizenship, and their perceptions of its importance in policy- and decision-making. Our study shows that marine citizenship entails more than individual pro-environmental behaviours, and includes public-facing and socially collective political actions. We contextualise the role of knowledge, finding more complexity than normative knowledge-deficit approaches permit. We illustrate the importance of a rights-based framing of marine citizenship which incorporates political and civic rights to participate in the transformation of the human-ocean relationship for sustainability. Recognising this more inclusive approach to marine citizenship, we propose an expanded definition to support further exploration of the multiple dimensions and complexities of marine citizenship and to enhance its benefits for marine policy and management.

MODEL PENDIDIKAN BEHAVIORISTIK DALAM ISLAM

The behavioristic education model in Islam is a learning approach that focuses on changing individual behavior through the use of positive reinforcement and sanctions. In Islam, this model can be applied by integrating Islamic values in the learning approach, so that it can help individuals to achieve predetermined educational goals. In its application, this model requires consistency, attention to individual conditions, as well as continuous evaluation and improvement in order to provide maximum benefits for individuals and society. In the behavioristic education model, educators focus their attention on visible behavior, to form the desired behavior. This model is applied by giving rewards or rewards for good behavior and strengthening this behavior. Conversely, sanctions or punishments are given for bad behavior, so that individuals can learn to avoid unwanted behavior. In conclusion, the behavioristic educational model in Islam can be an alternative in the development of learning approaches that can help individuals to achieve predetermined educational goals. In its application, this model requires special attention to Islamic values as well as consistency and continuous evaluation. Thus, the development of a behavioristic educational model in Islam can provide good benefits for individuals and society. Suggestions and recommendations have been put forward, such as the integration of Islamic values, attention to individual conditions, consistency in application, training and education for educators, as well as continuous evaluation and improvement.

A Smartphone Intervention to Promote a Sustainable Healthy Diet: Protocol for a Pilot Study.

Changing current dietary patterns into sustainable healthy diets (ie, healthy diets with low environmental impact and socioeconomic fairness) is urgent. So far, few eating behavior change interventions have addressed all the dimensions of sustainable healthy diets at once and used cutting-edge methods from the field of digital health behavior change. The primary objectives of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an individual behavior change intervention toward the adoption of a more environmentally sustainable healthy diet as a whole and changes in specific relevant food groups, food waste, and obtaining food from fair sources. The secondary objectives included the identification of mechanisms of action that potentially mediate the effect of the intervention on behaviors, identification of potential spillover effects and covariations among different food outcomes, and identification of the role of socioeconomic status in behavior changes. We will run a series of ABA n-of-1 trials over a year, with the first A phase corresponding to a 2-week baseline evaluation, the B phase to a 22-week intervention, and the second A phase to a 24-week postintervention follow-up. We plan to enroll 21 participants from low, middle, and high socioeconomic statuses, with 7 from each socioeconomic group. The intervention will involve sending text messages and providing brief individualized web-based feedback sessions based on regular app-based assessments of eating behavior. The text messages will contain brief educational messages on human health and the environmental and socioeconomic effects of dietary choices; motivational messages to encourage the adoption of sustainable healthy diets by participants, providing tips to achieve their own behavioral goals; or links to recipes. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. Quantitative data (eg, on eating behaviors and motivation) will be collected through self-reported questionnaires on several weekly bursts spread through the study. Qualitative data will be collected through 3 individual semistructured interviews before the intervention period, at the end of the intervention period, and at the end of the study. Analyses will be performed at both the individual and group levels depending on the outcome and objective. The first participants were recruited in October 2022. The final results are expected by October 2023. The results of this pilot study will be useful for designing future larger interventions on individual behavior change for sustainable healthy diets. PRR1-10.2196/41443.

A lifetime track of a griffon vulture: The moving story of Rehovot (Y64).

A lifetime track of a griffon vulture: The moving story of Rehovot (Y64).

Addressing inequalities and improving maternal and infant outcomes: the potential power of nutritional interventions across the reproductive cycle.

Maternal nutrition is essential for optimal health and well-being of women and their infants. This review aims to provide a critical overview of the evidence-base relating to maternal weight, obesity-related health inequalities and dietary interventions encompassing the reproductive cycle: preconception, pregnancy, postnatal and interpregnancy. We provide an overview of UK data showing that overweight and obesity affects half of UK pregnancies, with increased prevalence among more deprived and minoritised ethnic populations, and with significant health and cost implications. The existing intervention evidence-base primarily focuses on the pregnancy period, where extensive evidence demonstrates the power of interventions to improve maternal diet behaviours, and minimise gestational weight gain and postnatal weight retention. There is a lack of consistency in the intervention evidence-base relating to interventions improving pregnancy health outcomes, although there is evidence of the potential power of the Mediterranean and low glycaemic index diets in improving short- and long-term health of women and their infants. Postnatal interventions focus on weight loss, with some evidence of cost-effectiveness. There is an evidence gap for preconception and interpregnancy interventions. We conclude by identifying that interventions do not address cumulative maternal obesity inequalities and overly focus on individual behaviour change. There is a lack of a joined-up approach for interventions throughout the entire reproductive cycle, with a current focus on specific stages (i.e. pregnancy) in isolation. Moving forward, the potential power of nutritional interventions using a more holistic approach across the different reproductive stages is needed to maximise the benefits on health for women and children.

How are high-carbon lifestyles justified? Exploring the discursive strategies of excess energy consumers in the United Kingdom

The literature on climate action highlights the importance of individual and household behaviour change to achieve energy demand reduction and climate targets. However, behaviour change remains slow. The literature has highlighted numerous structural and individual barriers to behaviour change, but how high-energy consumers themselves justify the continuation of their behaviours remains poorly understood. This paper addresses this question by providing an in-depth analysis of the discourses that individuals deploy to justify and normalise high-energy consumption. This paper first provides a typology of ‘discourses of inaction’ that we might expect to find, from a series of literatures. It then analyses data from 30 in-depth interviews conducted with people from high-energy-consumption households, and from four deliberative workshops with a subsample of them and with the public, conducted to explore the viability and fairness of policy options to reduce high-energy consumption. This analysis reveals how individuals variously deploy already recognised ‘discourses of inaction’. It also identifies novel ‘discursive strategies of entitlement’; subtle rhetorical strategies to justify their high carbon lifestyles and inaction. Most notably, these newly-identified discursive strategies include the presentation of choices as determined, desires as ‘needs', and privilege as ‘luck’ or ‘entitlement’, particularly with the use of humour and irony. We discuss how these ‘discourses of entitlement’ reflect dominant policy approaches to behaviour change, and suggest policy approaches that can more effectively curb high-energy consumption.

Explaining the UK’s ‘high-risk’ approach to type 2 diabetes prevention: findings from a qualitative interview study with policy-makers in England

ObjectivesWhen seeking to prevent type 2 diabetes, a balance must be struck between individual approaches (focusing on people’s behaviour ‘choices’) and population approaches (focusing on the environment in which those...

Development of Android-based health media applications as promotional media in improving COVID-19 preventive behavior in the community

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 became a worldwide pandemic. The spread of wrong information causes people to misperceive the information. The massive spread of the virus shows the lack of public knowledge about preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Intrapersonal factors, namely changes in individual behavior, are the main focus of breaking the chain of the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to develop an Android-based health education application for COVID-19 prevention behavior in the community. This research method used an exploratory design with an R&amp;D approach which consists of 2 stages. The first stage was making a prototype application through 1) Evaluation of public knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 prevention with a questionnaire in the form of a google form to find strategic issues; 2) Development and mapping of prototype content through Focus Group Discussions with nurses and expert consultations. The evaluation used a simple random sampling technique on 193 respondents. The second stage was socialization and application feasibility testing on 193 respondents. The results of the first stage were an overview of the implementation of health education that had not been maximized due to the risk of transmission, sufficient knowledge (52.8%), and negative attitudes (63.2%) toward the prevention of COVID-19, as well as a prototype system of health education in applications that include prevention COVID-19 prevention. It was followed by the second stage of socialization and application feasibility testing for users. This study concludes that the development of an android-based application supports effective health promotion efforts in conveying information to increase knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 prevention.

The effectiveness of health education provision of animated video media in improving COVID-19 prevention behavior post-vaccination among students of Muhammadiyah Islamic Boarding School Karangasem Paciran Lamongan

Vaccination in the context of dealing with COVID-19 has been promoted. The increasing number of cases showed the lack of community compliance in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 after Vaccination. Intrapersonal factors, such as changes in individual behavior, were the main focus of breaking the chain of the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of providing health education with animated video media on improving COVID-19 prevention behavior after Vaccination among students at the Karangasem Islamic Boarding School Paciran of Lamongan. This study used pre-experimental with one group pre-test and post-test design. The population was Muhammadiyah Islamic boarding school students in Karangasem Paciran Lamongan, which amounted to 460 and took samples of 332 people using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used a questionnaire 30 items. The results of knowledge have increased from pre-test sufficient knowledge (60.84%), and post-test good knowledge (81.02%) using the Wilcoxon signed rank test p=0.000 (&lt;0.05). The results of attitudes have increased from pre-test negative attitude (70.78%) and post-test positive attitude (76.81%) using the Chi-square test p=0.001 (&lt;0.05). The results of practice have increased from pre-test sufficient practice (62.95%), and post-test good practice (77.71%) using the Wilcoxon signed rank test p=0.000 (&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the video animation media of health education was proven to increase post-vaccination COVID-19 prevention behavior among students at the Karangasem Islamic Boarding School Paciran of Lamongan.

A Scoping Review: Social Stories Supporting Behavior Change for Individuals with Autism

ABSTRACT Social Stories (also known as social narratives) help individuals participate in and understand social situations. This scoping review identifies and synthesizes social narrative research targeting behavior change in individuals with ASD. Using the following questions as a guide: (a) What is the scope of social narrative interventions used for individuals with ASD, (b) What behavior change outcome measures are evaluated, and (c) What research designs are used; five databases were searched from 2007-to-2018. Fifty-six articles met the criteria. Primary outcomes were sorted into two macro-categories: Reduce Disruptive Behaviors and Increase Desired Behaviors. Most, but not all, studies were found to be effective for various behaviors such as aggressive actions, verbal protests, identifying emotions, executive functioning, following directions, and responding in social situations. Social narratives can be used to promote skills/behaviors in individuals with ASD to enable participation, an important goal in occupational therapy practice. They are an accessible and feasible intervention that can be implemented in various settings for behaviors including activities of daily living, social skills, independence, and self-regulation. Most research reviewed used a single subject design, which is a limitation of the research as it makes results difficult to generalize. However, through replication, functional relationships can be determined. Additional research utilizing randomized control trials is recommended.

Changes in behavior patterns or demographic structure? Re-estimating the impact of higher education on the average age of the first marriage.

During the last few decades, China implemented college enrollment expansion to accelerate the process of urbanization. However, most existing papers blaming that receiving higher education may delay people choosing to enter the age of first marriage, which in turn results in the age of the population. In this paper, we argued that the previous papers confused the total impact of higher education on the average age of the first marriage with the influence on individual's behavior change, and thus led to overestimating the delayed effect of higher education on the age choosing behavior of first marriage. The present paper re-estimated the impact of higher education on the average age of the first marriage in China with both extensive and intensive margins using the duration model and qualified the pure effect on the behavior patterns change after removing macroeconomic factors. The results show that: (1) changes in either the demographic structure or behavior patterns due to higher education explain 63.41% or 36.59%, respectively, of the average marriage age delay; (2) the macro factors would delay the age of first marriage; (3) after controlling for demographic structure and macro factors, 3 years or more of higher education would only delay the choosing behavior of entering the first marriage by 0.84 years. Thus, we concluded that higher education does not completely squeeze the time of marriage, and the expansion of college enrollment could improve social and economic benefits.

Motivating relational organizing behavior for biodiversity conservation

AbstractAs biodiversity loss and climate change accelerate, more people worldwide are engaging in conservation behaviors to “do their part.” Yet, individual behavior change alone is insufficient for the large‐scale, rapid change needed to address these crises. Relational organizing, which involves individuals reaching out to others in their social network, can enhance the speed and scale of conservation behavior change and address the complex, collective action nature of many conservation problems. However, many people practicing conservation behaviors in their own lives do not engage in relational organizing about conservation issues. Here, we suggest this may be the result of specific social‐psychological factors inhibiting people from reaching out to others. We summarize the evidence and offer a research and practice agenda to prioritize (1) understanding the social‐psychological barriers that prevent relational organizing, and (2) addressing these barriers through targeted outreach interventions to help scale and accelerate community action for conservation.

Tropicalization shifts herbivore pressure from seagrass to rocky reef communities.

Climate-driven species redistributions are reshuffling the composition of marine ecosystems. How these changes alter ecosystem functions, however, remains poorly understood. Here we examine how impacts of herbivory change across a gradient of tropicalization in the Mediterranean Sea, which includes a steep climatic gradient and marked changes in plant nutritional quality and fish herbivore composition. We quantified individual feeding rates and behaviour of 755 fishes of the native Sarpa salpa, and non-native Siganus rivulatus and Siganus luridus. We measured herbivore and benthic assemblage composition across 20 sites along the gradient, spanning 30° of longitude and 8° of latitude. We coupled patterns in behaviour and composition with temperature measurements and nutrient concentrations to assess changes in herbivory under tropicalization. We found a transition in ecological impacts by fish herbivory across the Mediterranean from a predominance of seagrass herbivory in the west to a dominance of macroalgal herbivory in the east. Underlying this shift were changes in both individual feeding behaviour (i.e. food choice) and fish assemblage composition. The shift in feeding selectivity was consistent among temperate and warm-affiliated herbivores. Our findings suggest herbivory can contribute to the increased vulnerability of seaweed communities and reduced vulnerability of seagrass meadows in tropicalized ecosystems.

Assessment of Household Practices of Solid Waste Management in Jammu City, India

The problem of Solid Waste Management (SWM) has gained recent attention in developing countries. The city of Jammu being a major city of Union Territory (UT) J&amp;K, a prominent tourist and pilgrim site is facing a massive upheaval in the waste generation rates. The city is facing a sharp contrast between increasing generation rates on one hand and inadequacy of funds on the other hand. Jammu city is observed to generate 350-400 Tons per Day (TPD) with a per capita generation of 550 grams per day. The survey shows that residents of the city do not segregate waste at the source, possess inadequate storage facilities and often dump the waste openly without any treatment. They tend to have little knowledge about the efficient practices of waste management, adverse consequences on the environment and public health and the prevailing laws in the state. Thus, the sound planning of waste management study attempts to address the challenges linked to current household waste management practices. The study further recommends resorting to the practice of 3 Rs-Reduce, reuse and recycle, involving households in segregation at the source, making the residents aware of the existing by-laws and encouraging their participation in efficient waste management practices. These practices will act as a driver for behavior change of individuals towards efficient household practices of managing waste.

Environmental matters in sport: sustainable research in the academy

ABSTRACT Research Question Climate change continues to be a critical issue that impacts the ways we produce and consume sport. The extent to which sport responds to climate change (e.g. minimizing carbon emissions, adapting to climate impacts) will become more dire. Thus, it is crucial for sport to respond now to address current and emerging sustainability challenges. The popularity of sport can create opportunities to promote and influence individual behaviour change and drive organizational efforts to be environmentally sustainable. Research Methods The sport management academy is currently limited in its efforts to highlight, examine, and educate industry and students on the issues raised due to changes in the natural environment and the impact on the sport sector. The five articles included in this special issue aim to begin to bridge this gap. Results and Findings Sport is not inherently sustainable or unsustainable. We introduce this special issue to provide an overview of the current and future environmental challenges in sport management. Implications We encourage sport researchers to critically assess existing practices and enhance the management knowledge that not only influences the world of sport and sport managers, but also policymakers and sport fans on mitigating the impacts of climate change. We hope the following articles spark ideas, discussions, and further research projects.

Exploring the Nexus between Masculinity and Men’s Mental Health: Case of Goromonzi Peri Urban Mashonaland East Zimbabwe

The heavy politicization of masculinity within societies has magnified help seeking skepticism and presents a major public health challenge. While previous studies have focused on efficacy of interventions, less has been done with regards to the recipients of services. This has spurred the rationale for this study which sought to explore the nexus between masculinity and men’s mental health. Courtenay’s relational theory of gender and men’s health was used in this study. A convenient sample of 50 respondents were purposively and randomly selected from across the various ranks of the population of the study. Sampled were 5 boys, 5 girls, 20 men and 20 women who were later involved in both Focused Group Discussions and interviews. Extra data was obtained through in-depth interviews conducted with both females and male in Goromonzi staff. The interview results identified and outlined themes on the health-seeking behaviour amongst men in the peri urban areas of Goromonzi. The paper argues that despite availability of health centres, men still resent or detest consulting on health issues. Findings showed that health promotion programs go a long way towards promoting a change in individual behavior including health seeking tendencies. Results shows that cultural milieu, masculinity and cultural norms remain major influencers of men’s health-seeking behaviour. This study concludes that being a man takes on a universal status, generalisable and immutable. Aggression, reason, a need for control, competitiveness, and emotional reticence. From the above conclusion, the study recommends robust health education, sensitization and campaigns to enhance health-seeking behaviour amongst men in communities. Further recommendations include addressing cultural norms, supporting community health care workers as well as employing the multi sectoral approach at community level.

Interacting With COVID-19: How Population Behavior, Feedback and Memory Shaped Recurrent Waves of the Epidemic

Until the approval of vaccines at the end of 2020, societies relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in order to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Spontaneous changes in individual behavior might have contributed to or counteracted epidemic control due to NPIs. For example, the population compliance to NPIs may have varied over time as people developed “epidemic fatigue” or altered their perception of the risk and severity of COVID-19. Whereas official measures are well documented, the behavioral response of the citizens is harder to capture. We propose a mathematical model of the societal response, taking into account three main effects: the citizen response dynamics, the authorities’ NPIs, and the occurrence of unpreventable events that significantly alter the virus transmission rate. A key assumption is that a society has a waning memory of the epidemic effects, which reflects on both the severity of the authorities’ NPIs and on the citizens’ compliance to the prescribed rules. This, in turn, feeds back onto the transmission rate of the disease, such that a higher number of hospitalizations decreases the probability of transmission. We show that the model is able to reproduce the COVID-19 dynamics in terms of hospital admissions for several European countries during 2020 over surprisingly long time scales. Also, it is capable of capturing the effects of disturbances (for example the emergence of new virus variants) and can be exploited for implementing control actions to limit such effects. A possible application, illustrated in this letter, consists of exploiting the estimations based on the data of one country, to predict and control the evolution in another country, where the virus spreading is still in an earlier phase.

The Effect of Fear Elements on Health Behavior in the News Abstract

The media employs various techniques to persuade large groups of people, one of which is the use of fear appeal in advertising. This study aims to reveal how fear appeal is used in news content published during the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on the cognitive evaluation process that drives behavior change in individuals. To achieve this goal, the research was conducted in two stages. The first stage involved a review of news published between March 11, 2020 (when the first Covid-19 case in Türkiye was announced) and September 11, 2020 to identify the types of fear elements used and how they were constructed. A content analysis of 60 news articles in health-related categories, which contained fear appeal selected from four national newspapers, was carried out. In the second stage, field research was conducted to find out the impact of the fear elements identified in the news content on readers. A survey was administered to 418 participants aged 18 and above, and the dataset was analyzed using the descriptive analysis method. The survey contained statements about the components of perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived effectiveness of response, and self-efficacy regarding the threat. Key results of the study indicate that news about the risks of not paying attention to hygiene and cleanliness has the greatest impact on participants’ perceptions of threat sensitivity, news about Covid-19 potentially leading to other diseases increases the perceived severity of the threat, and news about individuals experiencing the disease has the greatest impact on the perceived effectiveness of the response.