Induce Behavior Change Research Articles

COVID-19 policy responses, social norms, and behavior change in MENA

ABSTRACT Inducing behavior change is a missing factor in the face of viral threats. We provide evidence from a natural experiment in 2020 on the effects of containment, closure, and economic policy responses to COVID-19 on change in human mobility behavior in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and worldwide. We also examine how social norms, namely risk taking and patience, and institutional trust, could explain the heterogenous effects of policy responses on behavior change. Our results show that the stringency of containment and closure policies decreased human mobility in MENA and worldwide. Risk-averse populations and populations with low-time preference were more likely to pre act and lower their mobility independent of containment and closure policies. The effectiveness of risk communication in promoting positive mobility change increased by the level of institutional trust. Specifically in MENA, populations were less responsive to the actual disease risk and the public perception of that risk. Familiarity with COVID-19 induced negative behavior change among impatient populations. Economic support policies promoted strong positive mobility change among low-risk and high-time preference populations. Income support seems to be the effective economic policy response in low-income countries and debt relief the effective one in higher-income countries.

Efficacy of Save Medical Corporation (SMC)-01, a Smartphone App Designed to Support Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Based on Established Guidelines: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Lifestyle modifications are a key part of type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Many patients find long-term self-management difficult, and mobile apps could be a solution. In 2010, in the United States, a mobile app was approved as an official medical device. Similar apps have entered the Japanese market but are yet to be classified as medical devices. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Save Medical Corporation (SMC)-01, a mobile app for the support of lifestyle modifications among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This was a 24-week multi-institutional, prospective randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received SMC-01, an app with functions allowing patients to record data and receive personalized feedback to encourage a healthier lifestyle. The control group used paper journals for diabetes self-management. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12. The change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12 was -0.05% (95% CI -0.14% to 0.04%) in the intervention group and 0.06% (95% CI -0.04% to 0.15%) in the control group. The between-group difference in change was -0.11% (95% CI -0.24% to 0.03%; P=.11). There was no statistically significant change in glycemic control. The lack of change could be due to SMC-01 insufficiently inducing behavior change, absence of screening for patients who have high intention to change their lifestyle, low effective usage of SMC-01 due to design issues, or problems with the SMC-01 intervention. Future efforts should focus on these issues in the early phase of developing interventions. Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCT2032200033; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT2032200033.

2' Life-changing minutes: impact evaluation of a novel health promotion format on cancer prevention.

Cancer is one of the most important societal challenges in the world, with over 23 million new cases/year and 10 million deaths/year, that will only be properly tackled with a stronger focus on prevention. This calls for an informed population, aware of risk factors and willing to adopt preventive behaviors and early cancer screenings. For that purpose, 2' Life-changing minutes was created, the first ever televised Entertainment-Education series on cancer prevention. This study aims to evaluate the impact of 2' Life-changing minutes, a novel E-E format for cancer prevention, on knowledge gains and behavior changes. Two complementary studies were performed involving a total of 1314 participants: a test-screening (TS) study targeting potential viewers of the series, and a natural-screening (NS) study targeting those that spontaneously watched the series on television. We found (i) very high levels of appreciation and narrative engagement, and also willingness to see more episodes; (ii) statistically significant knowledge gains, ranging from 17% to 44%, on all four topics tested; (iii) evidence of effective behavior change. Regression analysis showed that narrative engagement was the best predictor of behavior change [NS: odds ratio (OR) = 3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70-6.74, p = 0.001; TS: OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13-0.371, p = 0.018]. This study demonstrates the series' real impact and serves as a proof-of-concept for a novel strategy of cancer prevention that is based around compelling health narratives, rather than information or data, to engage viewers, increase knowledge and induce behavior change.

PUFFFIN: an ultra-bright, customisable, single-plasmid system for labelling cell neighbourhoods

Cell communication coordinates developmental processes, maintains homeostasis, and contributes to disease. Therefore, understanding the relationship between cells in a shared environment is crucial. Here we introduce Positive Ultra-bright Fluorescent Fusion For Identifying Neighbours (PUFFFIN), a cell neighbour-labelling system based upon secretion and uptake of positively supercharged fluorescent protein s36GFP. We fused s36GFP to mNeonGreen or to a HaloTag, facilitating ultra-bright, sensitive, colour-of-choice labelling. Secretor cells transfer PUFFFIN to neighbours while retaining nuclear mCherry, making identification, isolation, and investigation of live neighbours straightforward. PUFFFIN can be delivered to cells, tissues, or embryos on a customisable single-plasmid construct composed of interchangeable components with the option to incorporate any transgene. This versatility enables the manipulation of cell properties, while simultaneously labelling surrounding cells, in cell culture or in vivo. We use PUFFFIN to ask whether pluripotent cells adjust the pace of differentiation to synchronise with their neighbours during exit from naïve pluripotency. PUFFFIN offers a simple, sensitive, customisable approach to profile non-cell-autonomous responses to natural or induced changes in cell identity or behaviour.

Optimizing implementation: elucidating the role of behavior change techniques and corresponding strategies on determinants and implementation performance: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionBehavior change techniques (BCTs) are considered as active components of implementation strategies, influencing determinants and, ultimately, implementation performance. In our previous Delphi study, experts formulated ‘implementation hypotheses’, detailing how specific combinations of BCTs and strategies (referred to as BCT-strategy combinations) might influence determinants and guideline implementation within youth care. For example, educational meetings providing instructions on guideline use were hypothesized to enhance practitioners' knowledge and, consequently, guideline implementation. However, these hypotheses have not been verified in practice yet.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving practitioners and management professionals from youth (health)care organizations. Using questionnaires, we obtained data on the presence of BCT-strategy combinations and their perceived influence on determinants and implementation performance. Chi-squared tests and regression analyses were employed to determine the influence of specific BCT-strategy combinations on determinants and implementation performance.ResultsOur analyses included data from 104 practitioners and 34 management professionals. Most of the management professionals indicated that the BCT-strategy combinations positively influenced or had the potential to influence their implementation performance. At the practitioner level, half of the combinations were perceived to have a positive influence on determinants and implementation performance. Furthermore, practitioners who reported the absence of BCT-strategy combinations were more skeptical about their potential influence on determinants and implementation performance.ConclusionSeveral BCT-strategy combinations were perceived to improve or potentially improve implementation performance of both practitioners and management professionals. In the development and evaluation of implementation efforts, we advocate for clearly describing the implementation effort’s objective and using frameworks that detail the BCTs inducing behavior change, the strategy employed, and the processes driving the observed changes. Understanding these interconnected processes is important in designing targeted, evidence-based behavior change interventions. This understanding optimizes resource allocation and contributes to the overall success of implementation efforts in youth care.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure assessment among active daily commuters to induce behaviour change to reduce air pollution

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a detrimental urban air pollutant primarily emitted by traffic and biomass burning, poses disproportionately significant health risks at relatively limited exposure during commuting. Previous studies have mainly focused on fixed locations when assessing PM2.5 exposure, while neglecting pedestrians and cyclists, who often experience higher pollution levels. In response, this research aimed to independently validate the effectiveness of bicycle-mounted low-cost sensors (LCS) adopted by citizens, evaluate temporal and spatial PM2.5 exposure, and assess associated health risks in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The LCS quality assurance results, verified by co-location field tests by air quality monitoring stations (AQMS), showed comparable outcomes with an average percentage difference of 21.29 %, attributed to humidity-induced nucleation effects. The colder months exhibited the highest air pollution levels (μ = 32.31 μg/m3) due to frequent thermal inversions and weak wind circulation, hindering vertical air mixing and the adequate dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, PM2.5 levels in all sampling periods were lowest in the afternoon (μ = 12.09 μg/m3) and highest during the night (μ = 61.00 μg/m3) when the planetary boundary layer thins, leading to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, thus significantly affecting diurnal and seasonal patterns. Analysis of exposure factors revealed that cyclists were approximately three times more exposed than pedestrians. However, the toxicological risk assessment indicated a minimal potential risk of PM2.5 exposure. The collaborative integration of data from official AQMS and LCS can enhance evidence-based policy-making processes and facilitates the realignment of effective regulatory frameworks to reduce urban air pollution.

Driving sustainable transportation: insights and strategies for shared-rides services

The concept of sharing, enabled by emerging technologies, is playing an increasingly important role in contributing to a transformation toward more sustainable transportation. This study aimed to contribute to the growing body of literature on on-demand transportation services, with a particular emphasis on sharing or pooling a ride when using services such as transportation-network companies (TNCs) and microtransit. The study conducted a shared mobility survey of over 2,500 respondents from selected locales across Texas—ranging from large urban areas to small cities and rural areas. We analyzed the survey data in detail using extensive statistical analysis and inferential techniques and adopted an analysis approach toward implementation-oriented research to address the gap between theory and practice. Demographic, as well as geographic and built-environment, factors were found to play an important role in determining whether users will opt for a shared or pooled service and/or how they perceive these alternatives. The findings highlight the importance of improving safety and security, increasing awareness of the benefits of ride-sharing, and designing appropriate policy measures to promote sustainable mobility. We identified potential operational improvements, government policies, and employer programs to improve shared-ride services and encourage their use, such as reducing uncertainty in shared rides and minimizing inconvenience for passengers. A critical finding was the need to prioritize operational improvements in shared-ride trips over solely relying on financial incentives to induce behavior change. Enhanced public awareness and education were also determined to be crucial regardless of the nature of improvements, policies, or programs that are implemented.

Acute Exposure to Microplastics Induced Changes in Behavior and Inflammation in Young and Old Mice.

Environmental pollutants have become quite ubiquitous over the past two centuries; of those, plastics, and in particular, microplastics (<5 mm), are among the most pervasive pollutants. Microplastics (MPs) have found their way into the air, water system, and food chain and are either purposely produced or are derived from the breakdown of larger plastic materials. Despite the societal advancements that plastics have allowed, the mismanagement of plastic waste has become a pressing global issue. Pioneering studies on MPs toxicity have shown that exposure to MPs induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and decreased cell viability in marine organisms. Current research suggests that these MPs are transported throughout the environment and can accumulate in human tissues; however, research on the health effects of MPs, especially in mammals, is still very limited. This has led our group to explore the biological and cognitive consequences of exposure to MPs in a rodent model. Following a three-week exposure to water treated with fluorescently-labeled pristine polystyrene MPs, young and old C57BL/6J mice were assessed using behavioral assays, such as open-field and light-dark preference, followed by tissue analyses using fluorescent immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qPCR. Data from these assays suggest that short-term exposure to MPs induces both behavioral changes as well as alterations in immune markers in liver and brain tissues. Additionally, we noted that these changes differed depending on age, indicating a possible age-dependent effect. These findings suggest the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms by which microplastics may induce physiological and cognitive changes.

Evaluation of a mobile behavior change program for weight loss in breast cancer survivors: A prospective single-arm pilot study.

12070 Background: Post-diagnosis weight gain is common among women with early-stage breast cancer and is associated with increased risk of recurrence, breast cancer death, and all-cause mortality. Intentional weight loss following diagnosis is difficult to maintain. Targeted lifestyle interventions focusing on behavioral changes and education that can be implemented long-term are needed. Methods: This was a prospective single-arm pilot study in patients with history of early-stage breast cancer (NCT04753268). Key eligibility criteria included body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5 kg/m2, stage I-III breast cancer, and completion of active cancer treatment ≥6 months prior to study enrollment. Patients were recruited at the Dempsey Center in Lewiston, ME and via social media. Participants were given access to the Noom mobile application, which utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and self-determination theory to induce behavior change using an educational curriculum of daily articles, virtual health coaching, social networking, food records, and physical activity logs. The primary endpoint was change in self-reported weight from baseline to 26 weeks. Secondary endpoints included change in physical activity measured using step count and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), change in diet patterns analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research, patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, and metrics for engagement with the mobile application. Results: 31 patients were enrolled; 24 at the Dempsey Center and 7 via social media. Mean age was 56.8 and mean baseline BMI was 33.5 kg/m2. Mean weight change was -4.8 kg (range +0.6 to -19.9 kg, p &lt; 0.001) and mean percent weight change was -5.6%; 11/31 patients (35.5%) lost ≥5% of their initial weight. Average daily step count increased by 54.7% (p = 0.004). Mean GPAQ score for physical activity increased from 990 to 1773 (p = 0.01), and the proportion of patients who met physical activity guidelines increased from 45.1% to 74.2%. Mean energy intake did not change significantly over 26 weeks (p = 0.779). Improvements were observed in PROMIS-Physical Functioning T-scores and Body Image Scale scores (p = 0.04, p &lt; 0.001 respectively). Metrics of engagement with Noom that were predictive of weight loss ≥5% included total articles read (p = 0.012), total weights logged (p = 0.006), total food records logged (p = 0.001), messages sent to coach (p = 0.001), and number of times the application was opened (p = 0.014). Conclusions: In this pilot study, breast cancer survivors lost weight and became more physically active using a commercially-available mobile application. This digital weight loss program is a scalable intervention, and these findings support future studies investigating impact on breast cancer outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT04753268 .

Storying Sensuous Atmospheres of Peaches and Wheat

Policy initiatives, research, and professional advice concerned with sustainable food systems remain largely stuck conceptualising individual consumers as rational subjects in need of technocratic interventions to induce behaviour change. While critical approaches do account for the relevance of socio-ecological, political, and economic circumstances, the affective, sensuous, and im/material relations — sensuous atmospheres — that are indissoluble from everyday life are either left out, or effectively conceptualised as the inert, given background on which life plays out. Taking the imagination as a key political participant in the struggle for a more just and sustainable world, this article aims to ‘story’ the sensuous atmospheres of everyday life in agricultural practice, making sensuous atmospheres visible as the sensory-material substance that socio-ecological, political, and economic formations take. Drawing from sensuous (auto)ethnographic encounters on a farm in northern Italy, I ask: what kinds of stories are the sensuous atmospheres of techno-industrial and alternative agricultural practices made of, what kinds of stories do they tell, and how might they help to imagine new horizons of possibility in the making of more sustainable food systems? I begin the article with a discussion problematising food systems and the inadequate approaches often used to render them sustainable. I then conceptualise the notion of ‘storying sensuous atmospheres’, presenting the sensory ethnographic material in the style of ‘sensuous scholarship’ in which the fieldwork is simultaneously analysed and evocatively storied. I conclude the article by suggesting that the storying of sensuous atmospheres is one strategy to precipitate new horizons of imagining — in food systems and beyond — a more sustainable world.

Lessons and Best Practices on Risk Communication and Infodemic Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bhutan.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) were instrumental in inducing behavior change in tandem with the evolving evidence and phases of the pandemic. Infodemic management also became one of the areas where much emphasis was laid in Bhutan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic along with other critical response strategies such as surveillance, contact tracing, quarantine, isolation, and testing. Over the past 3 years of the pandemic, much has been learnt about the significance and impact of RCCE. In this article, the authors will highlight some of the methods and practices that were implemented to manage public information and also share experiences with regard to RCCE over the course of Bhutan's response to the pandemic. Furthermore, it will also outline some of the media and risk communication mechanisms that were in place before Bhutan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toll-like receptor 3 neuroimmune signaling and behavior change: A strain comparison between Lewis and Wistar rats

There are many unanswered questions about the interaction between the immune system and behavior change, including the contributions of individual differences. The present study modeled individual differences in the immune system by comparing inbred Lewis rats, which have dysregulated stress and immune systems, to their genetically diverse parent strain, Wistar rats. The objective was to examine the consequences of an immune challenge on behavior and neuroimmune signaling in both strains. Peripheral administration of the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist and viral memetic polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) induced behavior changes in both strains, reducing locomotor activity and increasing avoidance behavior (time on the dark side of the light-dark box). Furthermore, poly(I:C) induced hyperarousal and increased avoidance behavior more in female Lewis than female Wistar rats. Baseline strain differences were also observed: Lewis rats had higher avoidance behavior and lower startle response than Wistars. Lewis rats also had lower levels of peripheral inflammation, as measured by spleen weight. Finally, poly(I:C) increased expression of genes in the TLR3 pathway, cytokine genes, and CD11b, a gene associated with proinflammatory actions of microglia, in the prelimbic cortex and central amygdala, with greater expression of cytokine genes in male rats. Lewis rats had lower baseline expression of some neuroimmune genes, particularly CD11b. Overall, we found constitutive strain differences in immune profiles and baseline differences in behavior, yet poly(I:C) generally induced similar behavior changes in males while hyperarousal and avoidance behavior were heightened in female Lewis rats.

Sex Workers, Stigma, and Self-Image: Evidence from Kolkata Brothels

AbstractThis paper studies the link between self-image and behavior among those who face stigma due to poverty and social exclusion. Using a randomized field experiment with sex workers in Kolkata (India), we examine whether a psychological intervention to mitigate adverse effects of internalized stigma can induce behavior change. We find significant improvements in participants' self-image, their savings choices, and health clinic visits. Administrative data confirm that these changes in savings and preventive health behavior persist 15 and 21 months later, respectively. Our findings highlight the potential of purely psychological interventions to improve the life choices and outcomes of marginalized groups.

Time-restricted feeding entrains long-term behavioral changes through the IGF2-KCC2 pathway

SummaryThe suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) integrates light and systemic signals from peripheral tissues to coordinate physiology and behavior daily rhythms. However, the contribution that nutrients and feeding patterns provide to the SCN network regulation remains controversial. Here, we found that time-restricted feeding (TRF) in ZT0-4 (Zeitgeber Time) generates a robust and long-term shift in locomotor behavior and increased wakefulness. Intracellular Ca2+ signals in SCN GABAergic neurons of freely moving mice showed significant activation after ZT0-4 TRF treatment. Furthermore, RNA-seq profiling of SCN showed that TRF during ZT0-4 increased Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (Igf2) expression and dysregulated ion transporters, including the downregulation of Kcc2. SCN neuron-specific loss of function of Kcc2 amplified ZT0-4 TRF induced aftereffect. Moreover, overexpression of IGF2 in SCN GABAergic neurons extended the locomotion range, mirroring the TRF aftereffect. In summary, our study showed that the IGF2-KCC2 pathway plays an important role for TRF induced behavior changes.

Evaluation of Antioxidants in Discrete Regions of Brain after the Transplantation of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells in 2,4,5-Trihydroxyphenylethylamine-lesioned Wistar Albino Rats.

Background and Aim:Parkinson’s disease (PD) a neurodegenerative disorder for which no preventive or long term effective treatment strategies are available. Epidemiological studies have failed to identify specific environmental, dietary or lifestyle factors for PD. However oxidative stress in the substantia nigra (SN) and Corpus striatum is the most broadly accepted hypothesis for the etiopathology of PD. Many experiments state the notion that augmentation of neurotrophic factors and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factors, could prevent or halt the progress of neurodegeneration in PD.Material and Methods:The present study was designed to assess the motor behaviour with apomorphine injection and level of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants after transplantation of Human Amniotic Epithelial (HAE) cells in 2,4,5 trihydroxyphenylethylamine (6-OHDA) lesioned striatum in rats.Results:Human Amniotic Epithelial (HAE) cells ameliorated 6-OHDA induced changes in rotational behaviour and modulated the antioxidants. 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity by the generation of free radicals was pronounced by indication of increased Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and decrease in antioxidants level. The present result suggest that increased free radicals and the decrease in the antioxidant defence system possibly lead to structural and functional alterations in membrane-related events and play significant role of the 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity. In HAE cells transplanted animals the level of LPO was significantly reduced in striatum (36%) and moderately reduced (20%) in midbrain of the 6-OHDA lesioned animals.Conclusion:These alterations were found to be recovered after the HAE cells graft during long term. The 6-OHDA induced neurotoxicity by the generation of free radicals was pronounced by indication of the increased LPO level, decrease in antioxidants and alteration in the dopamine and its metabolites.

Perceptions matter: speeding behavior varies as a function of increasing perceived exposure to content encouraging the behavior

Objective Speeding is a high-risk behavior that accounts for a significant number of crashes and fatalities across the globe. Prior research indicates that a relationship exists between exposure to speeding behavior (via one’s peers or mass media) and subsequent engagement in the behavior. However, no study to date has quantified the perceived extent to which individuals are exposed to such content. Further, the impact of social media content on speeding behavior, relative to peer engagement and mass media sources, has not been investigated. Accordingly, this exploratory study aimed to: (a) quantify the self-reported extent to which the sample believe they were exposed to content encouraging speeding on social media, mass media and peer engagement in the behavior, and (b) examine whether speeding behavior varied as a function of increasing exposure to the behavior via these mediums. Methods A total of 628 Queensland motorists with a Facebook account were included in this study. Participation involved completing an online survey of 20–25 minutes duration. Results Consistent with previous research, half of the sample reported speeding more than 10% of the time they drive (n = 315). On average, participants believed they were exposed to content encouraging speeding behavior 40% of the time via mass media (e.g., television, movies or gaming) and 29% of the time on social media. In addition, they perceived their friends to exceed the speed limit 39% of the time. Finally, self-reported speeding behavior varied as a function of exposure, such that exposure levels were significantly higher in speeders than non-speeders. Conclusions The findings from this study suggest that perceptions concerning the frequency with which individuals are exposed to material encouraging speeding via mass media or social media, and their perceptions regarding their peers’ engagement in the behavior, all correspond with engagement in speeding behavior. Future research is needed to disentangle the relative impact of such mediums on speeding behavior, and the levels of exposure required to induce behavior change on the road.

Social norms, cues and improved communication to influence behaviour change of smokers

ABSTRACT This paper presents a qualitative research study to explore how social pressures contribute to normative behaviour of adult smokers. Drawing from theories of social learning, behaviour change and cognitive dissonance from a literature review, the research questions are framed in an empirical social perspective by giving attention to social cues to study smokers and their behaviour changes. The findings reveal that despite media communications from government agencies and public bodies about the dangers of smoking and health risks, ignoring or defying such messages are linked to deeply embedded reasons of smokers’ social norms, cognitive factors and addiction to nicotine. Exploring dissonance behaviour in smokers provides in-depth insights into their feelings and attitudes towards smoking restrictions. Participants in the research sample were found to experience acts of social and cultural stigmatisation when smoking bans reinforce negative feelings of non-smokers toward smokers. The paper concludes that messages and images communicated about inducing behaviour change in smokers from government and public sector organisations should seek to foster social inclusion with policies to support behaviour change in smokers.

Public health messages on arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti in Brazil

BackgroundThe outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil in 2015 followed the arrival of chikungunya in 2014 and a long history of dengue circulation. Vital to the response to these outbreaks of mosquito-borne pathogens has been the dissemination of public health messages, including those promoted through risk communication posters. This study explores the content of a sample of posters circulated in Brazil towards the end of the Zika epidemic in 2017 and analyses their potential effectiveness in inducing behaviour change.MethodsA content analysis was performed on 37 posters produced in Brazil to address outbreaks of mosquito-borne pathogens. The six variables of the Health Belief Model were used to assess the potential effectiveness of the posters to induce behaviour change.ResultsThree overarching key messages emerged from the posters. These included (i) the arboviruses and their outcomes, (ii) a battle against the mosquito, and (iii) a responsibility to protect and prevent. Among the six variables utilised through the Health Belief Model, cues to action were most commonly featured, whilst the perceived benefits of engaging in behaviours to prevent arbovirus transmission were the least commonly featured.ConclusionsThe posters largely focused on mosquito-borne transmission and the need to eliminate breeding sites, and neglected the risk of the sexual and congenital transmission of Zika and the importance of alternative preventive actions. This, we argue, may have limited the potential effectiveness of these posters to induce behaviour change.

Social marketing applications in public policy programs: key learnings and applications

PurposeMarketing tools used in public policy may not be purely commercial but based on non-commercial marketing exchanges also. This paper aims to make a case for the practice of social marketing principles to aid the context of public policy.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to draw out the key implementable learnings (KILs) from the analysis of the five public policy initiatives in the USA, India and Sri Lanka. A case situation with the context of child labour policy in India is proposed to use these KILs.FindingsThis paper concludes that the implementation of any policy is a challenging exercise and dependent on a large number of factors. However, KILs derived from successful social marketing programs deal with umbrella campaigns, prevailing socio-cultural environment, bottom-up communication, upstream approach to engage with stakeholders and targeted media advocacy could prove useful when the objective is to induce behaviour change as a part of the policy execution.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates the learnings from social marketing campaigns and their relevance to public policy programs. It also considers a case to demonstrate the application of the concept.

The case for social support in social marketing

Purpose This paper aims to reinforce the arguments for applying the social support concept in social marketing. Design/methodology/approach This paper aims to conceptually outline the potential positive contribution of social support for social marketing practice as a tool to induce behavior change. Findings This paper focuses on the philosophical principle of social exchange, highlights the consumer-centered perspective of social marketing, which implies the natural evaluation of the social networks of influence and support and presents social support as a mechanism to induce long-term behavior change. Research limitations/implications No empirical (qualitative or quantitative) investigations were used to test the application of the concept in practical interventions. Practical implications This paper provides significant insights for intervention developers that can be used to program and theoretically justify future social marketing interventions applying the social support concept. Social implications Empirical research concluded for a positive relation between social support and human health and well-being. Thus, increasing the use of the concept in social marketing can serve to attain these social goals. Originality/value The concept of social support has gained considerable interest in the areas of behavioral medicine and health psychology. Despite such interest, it is still not clear how it can be approached in social marketing as there is a lack of conceptual literature discussing social support from a social marketing perspective, the number of social marketing interventions operationalizing the concept is limited and, till date, no research has focused in comprehensively establishing a theoretical rationale to operationalize the concept in social marketing.