Planning theory- and evidence-based behavior change interventions: a conceptual review of the intervention mapping protocol

The DID-guide: A guide to developing digital mental health interventions

The opportunities technology offers for improving mental health have led to a surge in digital interventions. A pivotal step in the development of such interventions involves translating theoretical intervention techniques into specific technological features. However, practical guidelines on how to approach this translation are currently underdeveloped. To support efforts to develop digital mental health interventions, from theoretical inception to an actual digital intervention, we present the Digital Intervention Development Guide (DID-Guide). The DID-Guide is structured into two distinct phases. Phase 1 establishes the intervention's theoretical foundation, outlining the steps for developing a theoretical intervention framework. Phase 2 translates this theoretical framework into actionable technological features, that make up the intervention. We break down the DID-Guide's two phases into a series of actionable steps, accompanied by concrete examples from a recent intervention that can be delivered through both a smartphone app and Virtual Reality. The DID-Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for creating impactful digital mental health interventions, while also facilitating collaboration and communication among a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and software developers.

A mixed methods study of suicide protective factors in college students

INTRODUCTION

Mental health professionals, teachers, families, and public administrators are concerned about suicide rates among young people, particularly in the university context. For every ten college students worldwide, three attempt suicide in their lifetime, and two experience suicidal ideation. Reducing these rates requires interventions that recognize the problem in terms of risk factors and protective factors.

OBJECTIVE

The general aim of the study was to map the protective factors for suicide among college students, as perceived by them, mental health professionals, and coordinators of undergraduate courses in a public university in the North of Brazil.

METHODS

The study followed an exploratory, mixed-method design. Data were collected through interviews and the application of a questionnaire with 54 participants, including college students (n = 20), mental health professionals (n = 22), and course coordinators (n = 12). Data were analyzed using Content Analysis and simple descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The findings show that the protective factors for suicide most cited among the three groups were social support, strengthening of internal resources, institutional support, and finding meaning about the change to enter the university. Although the three audiences did not converge, the protective factors also frequently reported were psychological treatment, leisure activities, religious engagement, medical treatment, civic engagement, employability, opportunities for social ascension offered by the university, and quality family relationships.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that these protective factors are considered when formulating policies to promote mental health and suicide prevention in the university environment.

Targeting emotion dysregulation in depression: an intervention mapping protocol augmented by participatory action research

BACKGROUND

Depression is a highly prevalent and often recurrent condition; however, treatment is not always accessible or effective in addressing abnormalities in emotional processing. Given the high prevalence of depression worldwide, identifying and mapping out effective and sustainable interventions is crucial. Emotion dysregulation in depression is not readily amenable to improvement due to the complex, time-dynamic nature of emotion; however, systematic planning frameworks for programs addressing behavioral changes can provide guidelines for the development of a rational intervention that tackles these difficulties. This study proposes an empirical and theoretical art-based emotion regulation (ER) intervention using an integrated approach that combines intervention mapping (IM) with participatory action research (PAR).

METHODS

We used the IM protocol to identify strategies and develop an intervention for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). As applied in this study, IM comprises six steps: (a) determining the need for new treatments and determinants of risk; (b) identifying changeable determinants and assigning specific intervention targets; (c) selecting strategies to improve ER across relevant theories and research disciplines; (d) creating a treatment program and refining it based on consultations with an advisory group; (e) developing the implementation plan and conducting a PAR study to pilot-test it; and (f) planning evaluation strategies and conducting a PAR study for feedback on the initial testing.

RESULTS

Following the steps of IM, we developed two frameworks for an art-based ER intervention: an individual and an integrative framework. The programs include four theory- and evidence-based ER strategies aimed mainly at decreasing depressive symptoms and improving ER in patients with MDD. We also developed a plan for evaluating the proposed intervention. Based on our preliminary PAR studies, the intervention was feasible and acceptable for adoption and implementation in primary care settings.

CONCLUSION

The application of IM incorporated with PAR has resulted in an intervention for improving ER in depression. While changing behavior is perceived as a challenging and elaborate task, this method can be useful in offering a clear structure for developing rational interventions. Further refinement is necessary through rigorous research.

Designing a resilience-based intervention program for children with cancer and their families: a study protocol

Background

Advances in pediatric oncology have significantly increased survival rates, yet have introduced challenges in managing long-term treatment side effects. This study process introduces an interdisciplinary clinical intervention program rooted in the family resilience framework, aimed at improving well-being across the cancer trajectory for children and their families, especially those in Canadian communities far from specialized oncology centers with limited access to resources.

Methods

Employing an intervention mapping approach, this program collaboratively involves patients, families, professionals, and researchers. It aims to identify vulnerability factors, establish a logic model of change, and devise comprehensive strategies that include professional interventions alongside self-management tools. These strategies, tailored to address biopsychosocial and spiritual challenges, are adapted to the unique contexts of communities distant from specialized cancer treatment centers. A mixed-methods approach will evaluate program effectiveness.

Expected results

Anticipated outcomes include the empowerment of families with self-management tools and professional support, designed to mitigate biopsychosocial and spiritual complications. By addressing the specific needs and limitations of these communities, the program strives to improve the overall health and well-being of both undergoing treatment and survivorship phases.

Discussion

By focusing on comprehensive care that includes both professional interventions and self-management, this initiative marks a significant shift toward a holistic, family-centered approach in pediatric oncology care for remote communities. It underlines the necessity of accessible interventions that confront immediate and long-term challenges, aiming to elevate the standard of care by emphasizing resilience, professional support, and family empowerment in underserved areas.

Barriers and facilitators for reducing low-value home-based nursing care: A qualitative exploratory study among homecare professionals

AIM

To explore barriers and facilitators for reducing low-value home-based nursing care.

DESIGN

Qualitative exploratory study.

METHOD

Seven focus group interviews and two individual interviews were conducted with homecare professionals, managers and quality improvement staff members within seven homecare organizations. Data were deductively analysed using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist.

RESULTS

Barriers perceived by homecare professionals included lack of knowledge and skills, such as using care aids, interactions between healthcare professionals and general practitioners creating expectations among clients. Facilitators perceived included reflecting on provided care together with colleagues, clearly communicating agreements and expectations towards clients. Additionally, clients' and relatives' behaviour could potentially hinder reduction. In contrast, clients' motivation to be independent and involving relatives can promote reduction. Lastly, non-reimbursement and additional costs of care aids were perceived as barriers. Support from organization and management for the reduction of care was considered as facilitator.

CONCLUSION

Understanding barriers and facilitators experienced by homecare professionals in reducing low-value home-based nursing care is crucial. Enhancing knowledge and skills, fostering cross-professional collaboration, involving relatives and motivating clients' self-care can facilitate reduction of low-value home-based nursing care. Implications for profession and patient care: De-implementing low-value home-based nursing care offers opportunities for more appropriate care and inclusion of clients on waitlists.

IMPACT

Addressing barriers with tailored strategies can successfully de-implement low-value home-based nursing care.

REPORTING METHOD

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used. No patient or public contribution.

Core Principles and Practices for the Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Social and Behavior Change for Nutrition in Low- and Middle-Income Contexts with Special Applications for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture

Background

There is currently no cogent set of standards to guide the design, implementation and evaluation of nutrition social and behavior change (SBC), including for nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA).

Objectives

We aimed to capture, consolidate, and describe SBC core principles and practices (CPPs), reflecting professional consensus, and to offer programmatic examples that illustrate their application for NSA projects in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review following a 4-step iterative process to identify and describe SBC CPPs. We first reviewed general SBC frameworks and technical documents and developed a preliminary list of CPPs and their definitions. Following review and feedback from 8 content experts, we revised the CPPs, incorporating the panel's feedback, and conducted a more specific search of the peer-reviewed and gray literature. We presented a revised draft of the CPPs to 26 NSA researchers, practitioners, and implementers at the 2022 Agriculture, Nutrition and Health Academy annual conference. We then conducted a focused review of each CPP, and 3 content experts rereviewed the final draft.

Results

We reviewed ∼475 documents and resources resulting in a set of 4 core principles: 1) following a systematic, strategic method in designing, implementing, and evaluating SBC activities; 2) ensuring design and implementation are evidence-based; 3) grounding design and implementation in theory; and 4) authentically engaging communities. Additionally, we identified 11 core practices and mapped these to the different stages in the SBC design, implementation, and evaluation cycle. Detailed descriptions, illustrative examples and resources for implementation are provided for each CPP.

Conclusions

An explicit set of CPPs for SBC can serve as a guide for design, research, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition and NSA programs; help standardize knowledge sharing and production; and contribute to improved quality of implementation. Broader consultation with SBC practitioners and researchers will further consensus on this work.

Study protocol for a pilot quasi-experimental study on oral health education for nurses and community health workers in Nigeria

Introduction

The primary health care system provides an ideal setting for the integration of oral health into general health care as well as equitable access to oral health care. However, the limited oral health knowledge of primary health care workers necessitates appropriate training before they can participate in health promotion efforts. This pilot training was designed to examine the impact of the Oral Health Education module for Nurses and Community Health Care Workers on their oral health awareness and referral practices.

Methods

This study will utilize a quasi-experimental design (pre-and post with a non-equivalent control group) to assess the impact of a five-day pilot oral health education program on the knowledge and referral practices of Nurses and Community Health Workers in primary health care centers in three states in Nigeria-(Lagos, Oyo, and Kano). The training modules were developed based on the six iterative steps described in the intervention mapping framework - needs assessment, highlighting program objectives and outcomes, selection of theory and mode of intervention, designing program based on theory, designing implementation plans, and developing an evaluation plan. Only the intervention group will participate in the full educational training sessions but both groups will complete the pre-and post-intervention questionnaires.

Discussion

This pilot training combined the standardized training modules from the recently launched "Oral Health Training Course for Community Health Workers in Africa" and a newly developed maternal and child oral health module by our group using an evidence-based approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first program to examine the impact of the standardized OpenWHO modules. The success of this training will lay the foundation for developing a sustained channel for providing oral health education at the primary health care level in Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa.

Using Implementation Mapping to develop an intervention program to support veterinarians' adherence to the guideline on Streptococcus suis clinical practice in weaned pigs

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infections in weaned pigs are common and responsible for a high consumption of antimicrobials, and their presence is assumed to be multi-factorial. A specific evidence-based veterinary guideline to support the control of S. suis in weaned pigs was developed for veterinary practitioners in the Netherlands in 2014. Adherence to the S. suis clinical practice guideline helps veterinary practitioners to prevent and control the disease in a systematical approach and thereby improve antimicrobial stewardship and contribute to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans. The impact of such a clinical practice guideline on (animal) disease management depends not only on its content, but also largely on the extent to which practitioners adhere to the clinical guideline in practice. When the S. suis guideline was published, no specific activities were undertaken to support veterinarians' uptake and implementation, thereby contributing to suboptimal adherence in clinical practice. As the S. suis guideline was comprehensively written by veterinary experts following an evidence-based approach, our aim was not to judge the (scientific) quality of the guideline but to study the possibility to improve the currently low adherence of this guideline in veterinary practice. This paper describes the systematic development, using Implementation Mapping, of a theory-based intervention program to support swine veterinarians' adherence to the S. suis guideline. The knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, and beliefs about consequences domains are addressed in the program, which includes seven evidence-based methods (modelling, tailoring, feedback, discussion, persuasive communication, active learning, and self-monitoring) for use in program activities such as a peer-learning meeting and an e-learning module. The intervention program has been developed for practicing swine veterinarians, lasts eight months, and is evaluated through a stepped-wedge design. The Implementation Mapping approach ensured that all relevant adopters and implementers were involved, and that outcomes, determinants (influencing factors), and objectives were systematically discussed.

Digital technologies for behavioral change in sustainability domains: a systematic mapping review

Sustainability research has emerged as an interdisciplinary area of knowledge about how to achieve sustainable development, while political actions toward the goal are still in their infancy. A sustainable world is mirrored by a healthy environment in which humans can live without jeopardizing the survival of future generations. The main aim of this contribution was to carry out a systematic mapping (SM) of the applications of digital technologies in promoting environmental sustainability. From a rigorous search of different databases, a set of more than 1000 studies was initially retrieved and then, following screening criteria based on the ROSES (RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses) procedure, a total of N = 37 studies that met the eligibility criteria were selected. The studies were coded according to different descriptive variables, such as digital technology used for the intervention, type of sustainable behavior promoted, research design, and population for whom the intervention was applied. Results showed the emergence of three main clusters of Digital Technologies (i.e., virtual/immersive/augmented reality, gamification, and power-metering systems) and two main Sustainable Behaviors (SBs) (i.e., energy and water-saving, and pollution reduction). The need for a clearer knowledge of which digital interventions work and the reasons why they work (or do not work) does not emerge from the outcomes of this set of studies. Future studies on digital interventions should better detail intervention design characteristics, alongside the reasons underlying design choices, both behaviourally and technologically. This should increase the likelihood of the successful adoption of digital interventions promoting behavioral changes in a more sustainable direction.

The development and feasibility evaluation of a program to identify and manage apathy in people with dementia: the SABA program

OBJECTIVES

To develop and evaluate feasibility of a program for family and professional caregivers to identify and manage apathy in people with dementia: the Shared Action for Breaking through Apathy program (SABA).

METHODS

A theory- and practice-based intervention was developed and tested among ten persons with apathy and dementia in two Dutch nursing homes from 2019 to 2021. Feasibility was evaluated with interviews with family caregivers (n = 7) and professional caregivers (n = 4) and two multidisciplinary focus groups with professional caregivers (n = 5 and n = 6).

RESULTS

SABA was found feasible for identifying and managing apathy. Caregivers mentioned increased knowledge and awareness regarding recognizing apathy and its impact on their relationship with the person with apathy. They experienced increased skills to manage apathy, a greater focus on small-scale activities and increased appreciation of small moments of success. The content, form and accessibility of the program's materials were considered facilitating by all stakeholders, as was the compatibility of the procedures with the usual way of working. The expertise and involvement of stakeholders, staff stability and the support of an ambassador and/or manager were facilitating, while insufficient collaboration was a barrier. Organizational and external aspects like not prioritizing apathy, staff discontinuity, and the Covid-19 pandemic were perceived as barriers. A stimulating physical environment with small-scale living rooms, and access to supplies for activities were considered facilitating.

CONCLUSIONS

SABA empowers family and professional caregivers to successfully identify and manage apathy. For implementation, it is important to take into account the facilitators and barriers resulting from our study.

Nyakaza-Move-for-Health: A Culturally Tailored Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescents in South Africa Using the Intervention Mapping Protocol

BACKGROUND

The Nyakaza-Move-for-Health intervention program was developed in response to the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, in sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa. The rise in NCDs is attributed to the low levels of participation in physical activity (PA) among adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to design a culturally tailored PA intervention for adolescents, guided by the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol. The intervention program aims to address the multifaceted determinants of physical activity behavior, promote healthy lifestyles and improve adolescent fitness levels.

METHODS

The Intervention Mapping protocol was applied to design the intervention program. The IM has 6 steps: (1) Needs assessment, (2) developing a logic model of the problem (LMP), (3) Formulating program outcomes and objectives, (4) Program design and production, (5) Generating implementation plan, and (6) Generating intervention evaluation plan. Participants included (n = 48) adolescent learners recruited from 8 (n = 8) participating schools. Adolescent learners participated in focus group discussions (FGD) to identify personal, interpersonal and environmental determinants of physical inactivity. Twenty-six (n = 26) key informant stakeholders participated in a stakeholder engagement workshop (SEW) to determine the motivators and constraints in implementing physical activity interventions.

RESULTS

The Nyakaza intervention program's process development involved extensive stakeholder engagement, capacity development training, and integration of community feedback into the design. The intervention included a social marketing campaign and structured after-school physical activity sessions based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Implementation and evaluation plans were created, emphasizing real-time monitoring and adaptations. Strategies to enhance parental and community support were developed to address participation barriers. Although not tested in this study, these plans laid a robust foundation for fostering sustainable behavior change and improving physical activity among adolescents in resource-constrained settings.

CONCLUSION

The Nyakaza-Move-for-Health intervention demonstrates a promising framework for promoting adolescent physical activity and addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in a culturally relevant manner. The systematic approach, grounded in the intervention mapping protocol, ensured a robust and replicable intervention design. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up, integrating objective physical activity measures, and expanding the program to include nutrition education. Addressing identified barriers, such as parental involvement, is crucial for enhancing the intervention's effectiveness and sustainability.

Very small effects of an imagery-based randomised trial to promote adherence to wearing face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic and identification of future intervention targets

OBJECTIVE

Mental imagery interventions are a cost-effective way of promoting health behaviour change. We tested a mental imagery intervention designed to promote adherence to wearing face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design: A four-arm randomised controlled trial to explore potential mechanisms of action. Main outcome measures: Measures of behaviour (frequency of self-reported face covering adherence), theory of planned behaviour constructs (i.e. intention, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control), personality traits, imagery ability and barrier self-efficacy were measured at baseline (T1). Behaviour was also assessed at four-week follow-up (T2).Results: Of 297 participants, a majority always wore face coverings (N = 216, 73% overall sample). Logistic regression analyses revealed no intervention effects on changes in adherence to wearing face coverings, though T1 wearing of face coverings and being male predicted T2 behaviour. Subgroup analysis of participants self-reporting 'suboptimal T1 adherence, revealed that T2 non-adherence was predicted by being a non-student and by subjective norms and lower T1 intention to wear face coverings.Conclusion: Imagery-based interventions to increase face covering wearing adherence may exert significant public health effects but only when conducted on a very large scale. Our findings suggest that interventions should target men and disrupt habitual past behaviour.

Using an Intervention Mapping Approach to Improve Adherence to Disease-Modifying Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Up to 50% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are prescribed disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) do not take them as advised. Although many studies report on DMT adherence rate, few studies report on interventions involving individuals with MS. The current paper describes the development of an intervention aimed at improving adherence to DMTs among identified nonadherent individuals with MS.

METHODS

An intervention was developed using an Intervention Mapping approach, recommendations from reviews on medication adherence, and input from individuals with MS. Its content was determined by theories of health behavior (specifically, a perceptions and practicalities approach), empirical evidence collected among the specific target population (an observational "needs assessment" stage [n = 186]), and other studies.

RESULTS

A personalized intervention was tailored to the reasons for nonadherence, uncovered during the observational needs assessment stage, to be delivered sequentially by a neurologist and a psychologist. After the intervention objectives were identified, components of the intervention were set: psychoeducation and ways of coping with adverse effects; modification of unhelpful treatment beliefs (such modifications were found predictive of adherence in the observational phase of the study); improving confidence and self-efficacy; and developing strategies for remembering to take DMTs. These components were embedded within motivational interviewing.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention Mapping was useful in developing an intervention grounded both in the theoretical approach of perceptions and practicalities and in empirical evidence from the literature and the target sample; concurrently, identifying determinants that the intervention did not address. The effectiveness of the intervention-which could potentially improve adherence among individuals with MS-needs to be examined.

Theory-driven development of an educative nutritional intervention (ENI) supporting older hospital patients to eat sufficiently, assisted by an eHealth solution: an intervention mapping approach

Background:

Insufficient protein and energy intake is a prevalent and serious problem in older hospital patients. Here, we describe the development of a program consisting of 1) an educative nutritional intervention (ENI) to support older hospital patients to participate in their own nutritional care using the eHealth solution Food’n’Go, and 2) a plan for education and support of healthcare professionals, enabling them to conduct the ENI. Further, we describe the evaluation of the acceptability of the program as perceived by nursing staff and dieticians.

Methods:

The Intervention Mapping (IM) framework was used to design and develop the ENI through six steps: 1) a logic model of the problem was developed; 2) performance objectives and related change objectives were defined for patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals; 3) the intervention was designed using relevant theory-based change methods; 4) program materials were produced; and finally, 5) implementation and maintenance were planned and 6) evaluation of the program was planned. End users (patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals) were involved in the design and development of the ENI.

Results:

Based on the logic model, the personal determinants (knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, outcome expectation, social support, attitude, and awareness) related to the patients and their relatives were addressed in the ENI, and those related to the healthcare professionals were addressed in the plan for their education and support. Theories of behavioral change, technology acceptance, and nutritional management for older persons were applied. A plan for evaluation of the effectiveness (intake of energy and protein) and feasibility of the ENI was conducted. The feasibility measurements were the behaviors and determinants related to the intervention outcome that were identified in the logic model of change. The ENI was perceived as acceptable by the nursing staff and dieticians.

Conclusion:

We developed a theory- and evidence-based intervention guided by the IM framework and a sociotechnical approach, which was perceived as acceptable and ready for use to support older hospital patients to eat sufficiently assisted by eHealth.

The Codevelopment of "My Kidneys & Me": A Digital Self-management Program for People With Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Health care self-management is important for people living with nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the few available resources are of variable quality.

OBJECTIVE

This work describes the systematic codevelopment of "My Kidneys & Me" (MK&M), a theory-driven and evidence-based digital self-management resource for people with nondialysis CKD, guided by an established process used for the successful development of the diabetes education program MyDESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed, DESMOND).

METHODS

A multidisciplinary steering group comprising kidney health care professionals and researchers and specialists in the development of complex interventions and digital health provided expertise in the clinical and psychosocial aspects of CKD, self-management, digital health, and behavior change. A patient and public involvement group helped identify the needs and priorities of MK&M and co-design the resource. MK&M was developed in 2 sequential phases. Phase 1 involved the codevelopment process of the MK&M resource (content and materials), using Intervention Mapping (IM) as a framework. The first 4 IM steps guided the development process: needs assessment was conducted to describe the context of the intervention; intervention outcomes, performance objectives, and behavioral determinants were identified; theory- and evidence-based change methods and practical strategies to deliver change methods were selected; and program components were developed and refined. Phase 2 involved the adoption and adaptation of the existing MyDESMOND digital platform to suit the MK&M resource.

RESULTS

The needs assessment identified that individuals with CKD have multiple differing needs and that delivering a self-management program digitally would enable accessible, tailored, and interactive information and support. The intended outcomes of MK&M were to improve and maintain effective self-management behaviors, including physical activity and lifestyle, improve knowledge, promote self-care skills, increase self-efficacy, and enhance well-being. This was achieved through the provision of content and materials designed to increase CKD knowledge and patient activation, reduce health risks, manage symptoms, and improve physical function. Theories and behavior change techniques selected include Self-Management Framework, Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behavior model components of Behaviour Change Wheel and taxonomy of behavior change techniques, Health Action Process Approach Model, Common Sense Model, and Social Cognitive Theory. The program components developed comprised educational and behavior change sessions, health trackers (eg, monitoring blood pressure, symptoms, and exercise), goal-setting features, and forums for social support. The MyDESMOND digital platform represented an ideal existing platform to host MK&M; thus, the MyDESMOND interface and features were adopted and adapted for MK&M.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying the IM framework enabled the systematic application of theory, empirical evidence, and practical perspectives in the codevelopment of MK&M content and materials. Adopting and adapting a preexisting platform provided a cost- and time-efficient approach for developing our digital intervention. In the next stage of work, the efficacy of MK&M in increasing patient activation will be tested in a randomized controlled trial.

Using the behaviour change wheel approach to optimize self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infection and blood borne viruses

PURPOSE

This paper describes the process of optimizing a widely offered intervention-self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs). We drew upon the behaviour change wheel (BCW) approach, incorporating the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the behaviour change technique taxonomy (BCTTv1) to systematically specify potential intervention components that may optimize the packs.

METHODS

A BCW analysis built upon prior thematic analyses of qualitative data collected through focus groups and interviews with members of the public and people recruited from sexual health clinics in Glasgow and London (n = 56). Salient barriers and facilitators to specific sequential behavioural domains associated with the wider behavioural system of pack use were subjected to further analyses, coding them in relation to the TDF, the BCW's intervention functions, and finally specifying potential optimisation using behaviour change techniques (BCTs).

RESULTS

Our TDF analysis suggested that across the overall behavioural system of pack use, the most important theoretical domains were 'beliefs about consequences' and 'memory, attention and decision-making'. BCW analysis on the overall pack suggested useful intervention functions should focus on 'environmental restructuring', 'persuasion', 'enablement', 'education' and 'modelling'. Specific ways of optimizing the intervention were also described in relation to potentially useful BCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a detailed behavioural analysis and the TDF and wider BCW approach built on earlier qualitative work, we provide a systematic approach to optimizing an existing intervention. The approach enabled the specification of highly specific, evidence-based, and theoretically informed recommendations for intervention optimization.

Using Intervention Mapping to Develop an Education and Career Support Service for Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer: Identification of the Contextual Factors That Influence Participation in Education and Employment

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer experience disrupted engagement in education and employment, which can have profound and long-term impacts on their quality of life. It is therefore vital to offer AYAs access to tailored, evidence-based services to help them to achieve their education and employment goals. However, few such services exist for this population. This paper presents the results from the first step in developing an education and career support service for AYAs diagnosed with cancer using Intervention Mapping. This first step involved developing a logic model that describes the influences of health and demographic factors, individual determinants, behaviours, and environmental conditions on AYA participation in education or employment. The logic model was developed by integrating data from an integrative literature review; cross-sectional survey of AYA clients of a community-based organisation; and feedback from a planning group of stakeholders. It is a valuable framework that will be used to direct the focus of the education and career support service for AYAs diagnosed with cancer. More broadly, the logic model has implications for guiding clinical, service, research, and policy improvements for AYA education, employment, and career support, with the aim of improving AYA quality of life.

Evaluation of Social Impact Within Primary School Health Promotion: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Health promotion programs and interventions are designed to encourage behavioral changes in children, encouraging them to make safe and healthy life choices. This systematic review seeks to examine how social impact is measured in primary school health promotion interventions.

METHOD

A systematic search and review process was used to identify and examine primary school health promotion interventions. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to source articles from 6 electronic databases reporting school health promotion programs or interventions in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

A total of 77 studies were located, representing 55 health promotion interventions delivered in primary school settings. Of these interventions, only 8 (15%) measured or attempted to measure social impact, whereas another 8 (15%) alluded to social impact. The predominant theories reported were social based theories (theories which examine the social influences on people, environments, and behaviors) (n = 17, 59%), with almost a third not informed by an overt health promotion framework or model (n = 34, 59%). A systematic rating system identified some level of stakeholder engagement (n = 30, 53%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review highlights the need for social impact measurement within health promotion to illuminate the role of school programs in delivering lasting change.

Sexually transmitted infection prevention behaviours: health impact, prevalence, correlates, and interventions

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health threat, disproportionately affecting young people, and men who have sex with men. In this narrative review of the current state of behavioural science research on STI prevention, we consider the definition, health impacts, correlates and determinants, and interventions to promote STI prevention behaviour. Research on STI prevention behaviour has extended from a focus on abstinence, partner reduction and condom use, to also include novel preventive behaviours, notably treatment-as-prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., the preventive use of medicines by uninfected people), and vaccination for some STIs. Social-cognitive factors specified by, for instance the theory of planned behaviour, are critical proximal determinants of STI prevention behaviours, and related interventions can effectively promote STI prevention behaviours. Social-ecological perspectives highlight that individual-level determinants are embedded in more distal environmental influences, with social stigma especially affecting STI prevention behaviours and requiring effective intervention. Further to providing a major domain of application, STI prevention also poses critical challenges and opportunities for health psychology theory and research. We identify a need for health behaviour theory that addresses the processes linking multiple levels of influence on behaviour and provides practical guidance for multi-level behaviour change interventions adapted to specific contexts.

Self-Control as Conceptual Framework to Understand and Support People Who Use Drugs During Sex

Few theory-informed interventions to support people who use drugs during sex have been conceptualized and developed. We conceptualize sexualized drug use, also referred to as chemsex or pharmacosex, as a self-control challenge, and draw on extant theory and research to propose intervention approaches that can be tailored to meet the differing needs of people who engage in sexualized drug use. We draw on a continuum perspective of sexualized drug use, in particular chemsex, and discuss the role of reasoned and automatic processes in behavioral decisions, as well as critical components of effective self-control of behavior. A self-control approach can empower people to tackle their sexualized drug use, and classify their experienced sex-related drug use as problematic. Self-control encompasses clarifying one's goals and identifying strategies to mitigate behaviors to achieve these goals, despite competing pharmacosex desires. Our approach to self-control sexualized drug use contains three critical components: goal setting, goal enactment, and goal progress appraisal and goal adjustment. Goals should be formulated specific, ambitious yet realistic, and tailored to the individual's needs and wishes. Goals may target aspects of drug use, protecting sexual health and mitigating negative impacts. Implementing goal enactment implies translating goals into concrete (short-term) actions to move toward the higher-order goal via goal intentions and action/coping plans. During the goal progress appraisal and adjustment stage, people compare their actual with their planned behavior. This reflection may result in goal adjustment through feedback loops to adjust their goals and action/coping plans. We propose that our self-control approach can guide the development of interventions to effectively support people to prevent or limit pharmacosex, and helps to effectively mitigate or reduce negative impacts via self-help, peer support or professional support, offered via personal counseling or digital tools.

Combining Persuasive System Design Principles and Behavior Change Techniques in Digital Interventions Supporting Long-term Weight Loss Maintenance: Design and Development of eCHANGE

BACKGROUND

Long-term weight maintenance after weight loss is challenging, and innovative solutions are required. Digital technologies can support behavior change and, therefore, have the potential to be an effective tool for weight loss maintenance. However, to create meaningful and effective digital behavior change interventions that support end user values and needs, a combination of persuasive system design (PSD) principles and behavior change techniques (BCTs) might be needed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate how an evidence-informed digital behavior change intervention can be designed and developed by combining PSD principles and BCTs into design features to support end user values and needs for long-term weight loss maintenance.

METHODS

This study presents a concept for how PSD principles and BCTs can be translated into design features by combining design thinking and Agile methods to develop and deliver an evidence-informed digital behavior change intervention aimed at supporting weight maintenance. Overall, 45 stakeholders participated in the systematic and iterative development process comprising co-design workshops, prototyping, Agile development, and usability testing. This included prospective end users (n=17, 38%; ie, people with obesity who had lost ≥8% of their weight), health care providers (n=9, 20%), healthy volunteers (n=4, 9%), a service designer (n=1, 2%), and stakeholders from the multidisciplinary research and development team (n=14, 31%; ie, software developers; digital designers; and eHealth, behavior change, and obesity experts). Stakeholder input on how to operationalize the design features and optimize the technology was examined through formative evaluation and qualitative analyses using rapid and in-depth analysis approaches.

RESULTS

A total of 17 design features combining PSD principles and BCTs were identified as important to support end user values and needs based on stakeholder input during the design and development of eCHANGE, a digital intervention to support long-term weight loss maintenance. The design features were combined into 4 main intervention components: Week Plan, My Overview, Knowledge and Skills, and Virtual Coach and Smart Feedback System. To support a healthy lifestyle and continued behavior change to maintain weight, PSD principles such as tailoring, personalization, self-monitoring, reminders, rewards, rehearsal, praise, and suggestions were combined and implemented into the design features together with BCTs from the clusters of goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, social support, repetition and substitution, shaping knowledge, natural consequences, associations, antecedents, identity, and self-belief.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining and implementing PSD principles and BCTs in digital interventions aimed at supporting sustainable behavior change may contribute to the design of engaging and motivating interventions in line with end user values and needs. As such, the design and development of the eCHANGE intervention can provide valuable input for future design and tailoring of evidence-informed digital interventions, even beyond digital interventions in support of health behavior change and long-term weight loss maintenance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04537988; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04537988.

Using intervention mapping for hookah smoking cessation: a quasi-experimental evaluation

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the results of a theory-based and systematic intervention on Hookah Tobacco Smoking (HTS) cessation in women local to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Methods

In the present quasi-experimental research, we used an intervention mapping approach to develop, implement, and evaluate an education and training course as our intervention. Applying the results of a systematic review and two prior local qualitative studies, we identified six HTS determinants and set goals for the intervention. We selected 212 eligible women through systematic stratified random sampling and enrolled them in control and intervention groups. The course was presented to the intervention group in 17 sessions for four months. The educational material was developed to address the goals of the intervention, improve HTS determinants, and change the HTS behavior. We used a questionnaire to collect data on participants’ characteristics, HTS behavior, and detailed determinants of HTS in the control and intervention groups at the beginning of the study, at the end of the intervention, and at three- and six- months follow-up. All work done in the study was guided by ethical considerations.

Results

The results showed no significant difference between women enrolled in control and intervention groups regarding participants’ characteristics and HTS behavior. At baseline, there were no differences between groups for six determinants of HTS (knowledge, attitude, social norms, self-efficacy, habit, and intention). At the end of the intervention and at three and six months follow-up, the women in the intervention group had significantly better results in all six domains, compared with those in the control group. The rate of HTS abstinence at the end of the intervention and at the three- and six-month follow-ups was 61.3%, 48.5%, and 45.5% for the intervention and 16%, 14.4%, and 10% for the control groups, respectively.

Conclusions

HTS is a complicated behavior, and its cessation is hard. However, Intervention Mapping (IM) can be a powerful integrative, purposeful, theory-based, and participation-based method to reduce or cease HTS. This method should be tested in other settings.

Trial registration: IRCT20190126042494N1, Registered 3.3.2019. https://en.irct.ir/trial/37129

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13722-022-00287-5.

Is 'a little' too much?: An exploration of women's beliefs about alcohol use during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Interventions to address alcohol use during pregnancy need to target underlying determinants of the behaviour. Using the theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework, the aim of this study was to identify behavioural, normative and control beliefs regarding alcohol use during pregnancy among a sample of women. Design: 435 women completed a 15-minute online questionnaire designed to identify beliefs about alcohol use during pregnancy. Data were categorised according to type of belief and then summarised and described. Results: The majority of respondents saw few advantages of consuming alcohol during pregnancy and believed that most people would disapprove of alcohol use during pregnancy. Although most women endorsed alcohol abstinence during pregnancy, views on the perceived risk of different levels of alcohol use and perceptions of the 'typical' person who drinks while pregnant varied between participants. Conclusion: This work contributes to the understanding of women's beliefs about alcohol use during pregnancy. Future research should explore how women's beliefs inform their decision making about different levels of alcohol use in pregnancy. Additionally, further research or messaging about alcohol use in pregnancy must also consider the potential for contributing to stigmatising beliefs.

Development of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using an Integrated Approach: Project SMART

Physical activity (PA) is a health-protective factor with multiple benefits for school-age children, yet only 22% of children and adolescents living in the United States (United States) accrue the recommended amount of moderate to vigorous PA. Given the prevalence of insufficient PA among children, promoting and providing PA opportunities during the school day, especially when integrated into the curriculum and linked to the learning standards, is essential for children. The purpose of this paper is to describe the procedure for the development of a school-based PA program using an integrated approach through the modified intervention mapping protocol (IMP). A total of 22 physical education teachers and 167 children from five different elementary schools were involved in the process. The procedure includes the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) that provides a theoretical framework that plays a vital role in motivating students to have a physically active lifestyle. This study applied SDT and IMP to develop and pilot a PA intervention called Project SMART using an integrative community participatory approach. As a pilot PA intervention, Project SMART is an online educational game where the students navigate a virtual journey across the United States A class’s aggregate PA propels the students on their journey, where standards-based modules are unlocked to achieve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and social-emotional learning outcomes while gaining an understanding of the importance of health behaviors and opportunities to habitually engage in healthy decision-making with the support of their peers. Although initially labor intensive for the researchers, the process of tailoring the intervention to the children’s contextual and cultural needs has implications for all theoretically grounded and evidence-based PA interventions.

Study Protocol of a School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Cycling to School Among Students in Germany Using Intervention Mapping: The ACTS Project

Background: Despite a high rate of bicycle ownership, the prevalence of cycling to school among children and adolescents in Germany has been constantly low. Cycling to school can contribute to meeting the physical activity recommendations, which the majority of children and adolescents in Germany do not meet.

Methods: By using intervention mapping, this study protocol describes the systematic planning process of a school-based intervention in Germany aimed to increase the number of days on which students cycle to school and to increase their physical activity levels. To make sure that the intervention will match the needs of students, we conducted a concept mapping study investigating what students need to cycle to school, as perceived by students, parents, and teachers. The logic model of change was based on an integration of the self–determination theory and the social–ecological model. We structured our intervention as two phases, a preparatory phase with weekly components for and a practical phase with a daily repeated component of the targeted behavior. In the 8-week preparatory phase, teachers, parents, and peers will be involved. The content of the 12-week practical phase will involve peers only and was considered promising based on the findings from a systematic review that we conducted to identify the effective strategies of school-based interventions to promote cycling to school among children and adolescents. Overall, our intervention includes 27 behavior change techniques. A researcher, student assistants, teachers, and other collaborators will implement the intervention; a whole-of-school approach with components performed before, during, and after school was chosen. As a study design, we decided to draft a two-arm three-level cluster randomized controlled trial. Both the effect and process evaluation were prepared. In the first instance, approximately 250 students of 12–15 years of age from grade 7 or 8, who attend a secondary school of intermediate or high educational level located in (sub)urban regions in Southern Germany, will pilot the intervention.

Discussion: We expect to provide an effective and sustainable intervention for students, which gives insights into the mechanisms of change concerning the behavior of cycling to school and its influence on physical activity levels.

Practical Guide to Implementation Science for Surgical Oncologists: Case Study of Breast Cancer Short Stay Program

BACKGROUND

Long lags exist in adoption and uptake of evidence-based interventions into real-world clinical practice based on oncology clinical trial results. Implementation science (IS) is a distinct field of health services research that aims to understand the barriers related to adoption of evidence-based guidelines and research in clinical practice.

METHODS

Use of IS study design, methods, and outcomes can be elusive to surgical oncologists despite the tremendous need for the application of IS to bridge the evidence-to-practice gap. This report describes key components of high-quality IS.

RESULTS

Herein, we illustrate how IS can be used in surgical oncology practice. Examples from implementation of the breast cancer Short Stay Program (SSP) in Netherlands is used to illustrate IS methods. Specific funding and training opportunities in implementation science are described in detail.

CONCLUSION

Use of IS in surgical oncology can help improve the uptake of evidence based medicine.

Effects of improved information and volunteer support on segregation of solid waste at the household level in urban settings in Madhya Pradesh, India (I-MISS): protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Segregation of household waste at the source is an effective and sustainable strategy for management of municipal waste. However, household segregation levels remain insufficient as waste management approaches are mostly top down and lack local support. The realisation and recognition of effective, improved and adequate waste management may be one of the vital drivers for attaining environmental protection and improved health and well-being. The presence of a local level motivator may promote household waste segregation and ultimately pro-environmental behaviour. The present cluster randomized control trial aims to understand if volunteer based information on waste segregation (I-MISS) can effectively promote increased waste segregation practices at the household level when compared with existing routine waste segregation information in an urban Indian setting.

METHODS

This paper describes the protocol of an 18 month two-group parallel,cluster randomised controlled trialin the urban setting of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. Randomization will be conducted at ward level, which is the last administrative unit of the municipality. The study will recruit 425 households in intervention and control groups. Assessments will be performed at baseline (0 months), midline (6 months), end line (12 months) and post intervention (18 months). The primary outcome will be the comparison of change in proportion of households practicing waste segregation and change in proportion of mis-sorted waste across the study period between the intervention and control groups as assessed by pick analysis. Intention to treat analysis will be conducted. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.

DISCUSSION

The present study is designed to study whether an external motivator, a volunteer selected from the participating community and empowered with adequate training, could disseminate waste segregation information to their community, thus promoting household waste segregation and ultimately pro-environmental behaviour. The study envisages that the volunteers could link waste management service providers and the community, give a local perspective to waste management, and help to change community habits through information, constant communication and feedback.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered prospectively with Indian Council of Medical Research- Clinical Trial Registry of India ( CTRI/2020/03/024278 ).

Closing the gap between practice and science in school- and community-based participatory physical literacy promotion: study protocol of the StuPs project

BACKGROUND

The role of physical activity in the promotion of children's well-being and health is widely known. However, research indicates that the time spent physically exercising and participating in organized sport activities is decreasing among children. Although there is currently no gold standard for promoting sustainable physical activity in children, community-based approaches, particularly those that are multicomponent, appear to be the most successful. The project StuPs: a school- and community-based participatory approach for promoting physical activity in children and their families aims to develop a community-based approach to promoting physical activity by increasing physical literacy among elementary school children and their household members.

METHODS

The project is built upon the intervention mapping approach and consists of two periods with an overall duration of 3 years. Period I will last 9 months and include an assessment of needs, wants, strengths, and weaknesses regarding physical activity and health promotion at the community- and school-based level according to the keywords "capacity building" and "physical literacy." Based on the knowledge gained in this stage, measures for capacity building to promote healthy lifestyles and physical literacy in children will be developed using the community-based participatory research and capacity building approach. In Period II, the measures will be applicated, implemented and evaluated using a pre-/post-design to assess efficacy.

DISCUSSION

Although the efficacy of using community-based and capacity building approaches to reach children is promising, there remains a gap regarding best practices for changing existing structures and habits over the long term and in the sense of promoting physical literacy.

Web-based physical activity intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis: application of consensus-based intervention development guidance

OBJECTIVES

People with progressive multiple sclerosis (PwPMS) report that they recognise the benefits of activity on their physical and psychological health but need support to achieve their physical activity goals. We aimed to systematically develop a theoretically informed intervention that would enable PwPMS to more readily engage in regular physical activity.

DESIGN

We used an intervention mapping approach to inform intervention development.

SETTING

We conducted semistructured interviews with PwPMS and their families/carers and physiotherapists recruited from secondary care settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen PwPMS with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of between 6 and 8 and 7 of their families/carers and 13 physiotherapists and 1 physiotherapy technician participated.

RESULTS

Interview data suggested that the development of supportive coaching relationships with physiotherapists could promote the ability of PwPMS to achieve a desirable and achievable physical activity plan. These interview data informed the prototype 'Lifestyle Exercise and Activity Package for Multiple Sclerosis' (LEAP-MS) consisting of a secure multiuser web-based platform (with an education and activity suite, interactive components enabling selection of exercises, goal setting and activity logging), up to six flexible face-to-face or web-based physiotherapy coaching sessions and remote support via an embedded web-based messaging function that all together draw on specific theory-based methods to achieve physical activity behaviour change, namely active learning, reinforcement, modelling, feedback, facilitation, goal setting and guided practice. Implementation is within a multiuser platform accessible to participants, trained physiotherapists and researchers.

CONCLUSIONS

We have followed an inclusive, systematic and transparent process to develop the LEAP-MS intervention that enables detailed description of components, context and guiding principles to inform ongoing evaluation. Importantly, PwPMS expressed the need for autonomy in developing physical activity plans. This has been achieved through the embedding of self-management principles in the design and delivery of the LEAP-MS intervention.

A Call to Action. A Critical Review of Mental Health Related Anti-stigma Campaigns

Using a knowledge-attitudes-behavior practice (KABP) paradigm, professionals have focused on educating the public in biomedical explanations of mental illness. Especially in high-income countries, it is now common for education-based campaigns to also include some form of social contact and to be tailored to key groups. However, and despite over 20 years of high-profile national campaigns (e.g., Time to Change in England; Beyond Blue in Australia), examinations suggest that the public continue to Other those with experiences of mental ill-health. Furthermore, evaluations of anti-stigma programs are found to have weak- to no significant long-term effects, and serious concerns have been raised over their possible unintended consequences. Accordingly, this article critically re-engages with the literature. We evidence that there have been systematic issues in problem conceptualization. Namely, the KABP paradigm does not respond to the multiple forms of knowledge embodied in every life, often outside conscious awareness. Furthermore, we highlight how a singular focus on addressing the public's perceived deficits in professionalized forms of knowledge has sustained public practices which divide between "us" and "them." In addition, we show that practitioners have not fully appreciated the social processes which Other individuals with experiences of mental illness, nor how these processes motivate the public to maintain distance from those perceived to embody this devalued form of social identity. Lastly, we suggest methodological tools which would allow public health professionals to fully explore these identity-related social processes. Whilst some readers may be frustrated by the lack of clear solutions provided in this paper, given the serious unintended consequences of anti-stigma campaigns, we caution against making simplified statements on how to correct public health campaigns. Instead, this review should be seen as a call to action. We hope that by fully exploring these processes, we can develop new interventions rooted in the ways the public make sense of mental health and illness.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Uptake of Exercise Medicine Integrated Within a Cancer Care Center

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and acceptability of an exercise clinic co-located within a cancer treatment center to identify best practices for integrating exercise medicine into cancer care.

DATA SOURCES

Two-hundred thirty-seven patients were referred to the exercise clinic and completed self-report health and demographic questionnaires. Further assessments were conducted at baseline on 67 patients and following completion of the exercise program by 46 patients. Endpoints included muscular strength, physical function, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, quality of life, and fatigue scores. Adverse events were tracked throughout exercise participation to evaluate program safety.

CONCLUSION

Exercise programming co-located and aligned with cancer treatment in a real-world clinical setting appears to be safe with only four minor exercise-related adverse events. Effectiveness was demonstrated by all physical performance (2.9%-9.5%), strength (7.4%-27.6%), and balance (10.1%) improving and some patients reported outcomes exhibiting modest but clinically relevant benefit. Importantly, no outcomes including fatigue worsened even though the patients were undergoing radiation and/or chemotherapy. Assessment of patient physical and self-reported outcomes should be co-located where they receive oncological treatment and/or exercise medicine to increase uptake of this aspect of the service. Future work should incorporate and describe program and implementation design to help identify best practices in exercise oncology programming.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses are a primary driver of exercise among patients receiving treatment for cancer. Their regular patient interactions offer a practical opportunity to collect and record important exercise-related information from patients. As organizations look to develop plans to implement exercise into standard practice, input from nurses is critical to ensure program feasibility.

Occupational advice to help people return to work following lower limb arthroplasty: the OPAL intervention mapping study

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee replacements are regularly carried out for patients who work. There is little evidence about these patients' needs and the factors influencing their return to work. There is a paucity of guidance to help patients return to work after surgery and a need for structured occupational advice to enable them to return to work safely and effectively.

OBJECTIVES

To develop an occupational advice intervention to support early recovery to usual activities including work that is tailored to the requirements of patients undergoing hip or knee replacements. To test the acceptability, practicality and feasibility of this intervention within current care frameworks.

DESIGN

An intervention mapping approach was used to develop the intervention. The research methods employed were rapid evidence synthesis, qualitative interviews with patients and stakeholders, a prospective cohort study, a survey of clinical practice and a modified Delphi consensus process. The developed intervention was implemented and assessed during the final feasibility stage of the intervention mapping process.

SETTING

Orthopaedic departments in NHS secondary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who were in work and intending to return to work following primary elective hip or knee replacement surgery, health-care professionals and employers.

INTERVENTIONS

Occupational advice intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Development of an occupational advice intervention, fidelity of the developed intervention when delivered in a clinical setting, patient and clinician perspectives of the intervention and preliminary assessments of intervention effectiveness and cost.

RESULTS

A cohort study (154 patients), 110 stakeholder interviews, a survey of practice (152 respondents) and evidence synthesis provided the necessary information to develop the intervention. The intervention included information resources, a personalised return-to-work plan and co-ordination from the health-care team to support the delivery of 13 patient and 20 staff performance objectives. To support delivery, a range of tools (e.g. occupational checklists, patient workbooks and employer information), roles (e.g. return-to-work co-ordinator) and training resources were created. Feasibility was assessed for 21 of the 26 patients recruited from three NHS trusts. Adherence to the defined performance objectives was 75% for patient performance objectives and 74% for staff performance objectives. The intervention was generally well received, although the short time frame available for implementation and concurrent research evaluation led to some confusion among patients and those delivering the intervention regarding its purpose and the roles and responsibilities of key staff.

LIMITATIONS

Implementation and uptake of the intervention was not standardised and was limited by the study time frame. Evaluation of the intervention involved a small number of patients, which limited the ability to assess it.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed occupational advice intervention supports best practice. Evaluation demonstrated good rates of adherence against defined performance objectives. However, a number of operational and implementation issues require further attention.

FUTURE WORK

The intervention warrants a randomised controlled trial to assess its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to improve rates and timing of sustained return to work after surgery. This research should include the development of a robust implementation strategy to ensure that adoption is sustained.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN27426982 and PROSPERO CRD42016045235.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 45. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Massive open online course for Brazilian healthcare providers working with substance use disorders: curriculum design

BACKGROUND

Interpersonal and technical skills are required for the care of people living with substance use disorders. Considering the applicability and usability of online courses as continuing professional education initiatives, this study aimed to describe the content design process of an introductory-level healthcare-centered Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

METHODS

The content of the course was informed through needs assessment, by using three sources: (a) narrative literature review, (b) Delphi health experts panel consensus, and (c) focus groups conducted with people living with substance use disorders. The data from the empirical research phases were analyzed through qualitative Thematic Analysis.

RESULTS

The product of this research project is the introductory-level Massive Open Online Course "Healthcare: Developing Relational Skills for the Assistance of People Living with Substance Use Disorders" which approaches health communication and empathetic relational professional skills as a means of reducing stigmatization of people living with substance use disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Diverse strategies for designing distance education initiatives have to consider different views on the subject being approached in such courses. The product presented in this paper has the potential to be an educational tool for topics traditionally not addressed in Brazilian continuing education and can be used as a model to the design of online courses directed to the development of work-related skills for the healthcare professions.

Supporting Self-Management of Cardiovascular Diseases Through Remote Monitoring Technologies: Metaethnography Review of Frameworks, Models, and Theories Used in Research and Development

Background

Electronic health (eHealth) is a rapidly evolving field informed by multiple scientific disciplines. Because of this, the use of different terms and concepts to explain the same phenomena and lack of standardization in reporting interventions often leaves a gap that hinders knowledge accumulation. Interventions focused on self-management support of cardiovascular diseases through the use of remote monitoring technologies are a cross-disciplinary area potentially affected by this gap. A review of the underlying frameworks, models, and theories that have informed projects at this crossroad could advance future research and development efforts.

Objective

This research aimed to identify and compare underlying approaches that have informed interventions focused on self-management support of cardiovascular diseases through the use of remote monitoring technologies. The objective was to achieve an understanding of the distinct approaches by highlighting common or conflicting principles, guidelines, and methods.

Methods

The metaethnography approach was used to review and synthesize researchers’ reports on how they applied frameworks, models, and theories in their projects. Literature was systematically searched in 7 databases: Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, and Cochrane Library. Included studies were thoroughly read and coded to extract data for the synthesis. Studies were mainly related by the key ingredients of the underlying approaches they applied. The key ingredients were finally translated across studies and synthesized into thematic clusters.

Results

Of 1224 initial results, 17 articles were included. The articles described research and development of 10 different projects. Frameworks, models, and theories (n=43) applied by the projects were identified. Key ingredients (n=293) of the included articles were mapped to the following themes of eHealth development: (1) it is a participatory process; (2) it creates new infrastructures for improving health care, health, and well-being; (3) it is intertwined with implementation; (4) it integrates theory, evidence, and participatory approaches for persuasive design; (5) it requires continuous evaluation cycles; (6) it targets behavior change; (7) it targets technology adoption; and (8) it targets health-related outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings of this review support and exemplify the numerous possibilities in the use of frameworks, models, and theories to guide research and development of eHealth. Participatory, user-centered design, and integration with empirical evidence and theoretical modeling were widely identified principles in the literature. On the contrary, less attention has been given to the integration of implementation in the development process and supporting novel eHealth-based health care infrastructures. To better integrate theory and evidence, holistic approaches can combine patient-centered studies with consolidated knowledge from expert-based approaches.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42018104397; https://tinyurl.com/y8ajyajt

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/13334

Self-care behaviors related to air pollution protection questionnaire: a psychometric analysis

Background

Air pollution is an environmental health issue that has received much attention due to its harmful effects on public health. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the self-care behaviors related to air pollution protection. To this mean, questionnaire responses provided by Iranian college students were analyzed and a Health Belief Model (HBM) determined.

Methods

The self-care behavior related to air pollution protection was determined from responses from 301 university students using test item characteristics, face validity, reliability (internal consistency) and construct validity. Moreover, we carried out an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the factorial structure and explained variance.

Results

Based on Eigenvalues of ≥1.00 and factor loadings of ≥0.40, seven factors were extracted. The calculated Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value was 0.804. Overall, the seven factors explain 66.39% of the variance in the hypothesized model. Cronbach’s alpha for the measured factors: the perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action and behavior were 0.85, 0.79, 0.86, 0.66, 0.74, 0.83, and 0.75, respectively.

Conclusion

The analysis of the questionnaire’s reliability and validity properties resulted in good values. The questionnaire is a promising instrument to assess self-care behavior related to air pollution protection from the perspective of college students.

Applying intervention mapping approach to a program for early intervention in first-episode mental crisis of a psychotic type

The holotropic mind perspective, an integral part of the framework of transpersonal psychology, has been considered a revolutionary approach to a certain spectrum of experiences in Non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC) which conventional approaches tend to treat indiscriminately as pathological processes, because PHM recognizes in these experiences their healing and evolutionary potential. This article describes the needs assessment, implementation, and evaluation of an experiential and educational program on the holotropic mind perspective and its praxis, Holotropic Breathwork® (HB), with students and professionals from the Group for Early Intervention in First-Episode Mental Crisis of a Psychotic Type of the University of Brasilia. The intervention aimed to establish change goals and objectives that would promote the adoption of the holotropic mind perspective's elements, such as a framework to broaden and strengthen mental health programs that assist people experiencing NOSC. The stages developed, inspired by the Intervention Mapping protocol, included a needs assessment; elaboration of change objective matrices; selection and description of methods based on theory and their applications; conception, planning, and implementation of the intervention; and results evaluation. Participants reported that the intervention allowed the expansion of their theoretical-conceptual and technical frameworks, giving them a less pathologizing understanding of and approach to NOSC and allowing them to perceive and manage such states, not as indiscriminately pathological expressions, but as phenomena inherent to the human condition that can be accepted and cared for without the exclusionary and exhaustive bias of mental disorders. Limitations and practical implications are discussed.

The Role of Recreational Online Activities in School-Based Screen Time Sedentary Behaviour Interventions for Adolescents: A Systematic and Critical Literature Review

Sedentary behaviours are highly associated with obesity and other important health outcomes in adolescence. This paper reviews screen time and its role within school-based behavioural interventions targeting adolescents between the years 2007 and 2019. A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across five major databases to identify interventions targeting screen time—in addition to TV/DVD viewing. The review identified a total of 30 papers analysing 15 studies across 16 countries aiming at addressing reduction of recreational screen time (internet use and gaming) in addition to television/DVD viewing. All of the interventions focused exclusively on behaviour change, targeting in the majority both reduction of sedentary behaviours along with strategies to increase physical activity levels. A mix of intervention effects were found in the reviewed studies. Findings suggest aiming only for reduction in time spent on screen-based behaviour within interventions could be a limited strategy in ameliorating excessive screen use, if not targeted, in parallel, with strategies to address other developmental, contextual and motivational factors that are key components in driving the occurrence and maintenance of adolescent online behaviours. Additionally, it raises the need for a differential treatment and assessment of each online activity within the interventions due to the heterogeneity of the construct of screen time. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of school-based sedentary behaviour interventions and implications for public policy are discussed.

Service Providers' Perspectives on Barriers of Healthy Eating to Prevent Obesity among Low-income Children Attending Community Childcare Centers in South Korea: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to identify individual and socio-ecological barriers in managing healthy eating among low-income children from the perspective of community childcare (CCC) center workers (n = 18) through focus group interviews. They perceived the increase in obesity among low-income children. The interviews revealed that the child's eating habits are affected by not only individual determinants including self-regulation and risk awareness but also environmental factors such as family, CCC centers, policy and social structure. To enhance children's health and behavior, it is necessary to consider the interactions among systems at a variety of levels, for example, local community and health care policies.

Why Do Clinical Practice Guidelines Get Stuck during Implementation and What Can Be Done: A Case Study in Pediatric Rehabilitation

Aims: The purpose of this study was to obtain the perspectives of occupational and physical therapists working in pediatric rehabilitation about the factors that influence implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) using the case of constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT). We aimed to identify factors that hinder implementation of CPGs and strategies for overcoming barriers when widespread implementation is stalled.Methods: Qualitative case study methodology was bounded within the parameters of CIMT implementation in pediatric rehabilitation in one jurisdiction. Twenty-one occupational and physical therapists participated in one of three focus groups. Data were analyzed using an inductive qualitative approach.Results: Participants viewed CPGs as useful, and emphasized the importance of consistency between guidelines and relevance to practice context. Therapists considered the "art and science" in clinical decision-making. Barriers and facilitators to CPG implementation were identified at the client, clinician, intervention location and systemic level. Potential solutions to help "unstick" guideline implementation were consistent with theories of collective knowledge exchange and mindlines.Conclusion: The presence of CPGs does not ensure evidence uptake; understanding of local barriers is required. This case study highlights the value of a collective knowledge exchange approach and attention to the social structures of knowledge development and evidence use.

Predictors of Hookah Smoking among Women in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the Intervention Mapping Protocol

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of hookah smoking (HS) among professional HS women in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran using intervention mapping protocol. Methods: The present cross-sectional study is part of a larger study, which was conducted on 332 HS women using a multistage (clustered and randomized) process. Data were collected from October 2018 to August 2019 using a researcher-made questionnaire. Results: Mean age of the participants was 36.1 ± 13.3 years. Ordinal regression model, after the control of confounding variables, showed that attitudes, self-efficacy, habits, and intention were the most important predictors of HS behavior in women (OR = 1.14). The prevalence of HS was 1.76 times higher in women who did not want to quit hookah. Knowledge and Social norms were not associated with the HS behavior. Conclusions: According to the present findings, changing or eliminating women's positive attitude toward HS is deemed possible through reducing the social acceptance of HS in enculturating the negative attitude in society, enhancing women's self-efficacy via purposeful and specific education on resisting hookah temptation, unraveling all factors involved in habit formation and adjusting these factors through long-term interventions and timely interventions to affect intention to consumption before the actual occurrence of behavior (HS).

We Don't Have a Lot of Healthy Options: Food Environment Perceptions of First-Year, Minority College Students Attending a Food Desert Campus

First-year college students are at particular risk of dietary maladaptation during their transition to adulthood. A college environment that facilitates consistent access to nutritious food is critical to ensuring dietary adequacy among students. The objective of the study was to examine perceptions of the campus food environment and its influence on the eating choices of first-year students attending a minority-serving university located in a food desert. Focus group interviews with twenty-one first-year students were conducted from November 2016 to January 2017. Students participated in 1 of 5 focus groups. Most interviewees identified as being of Hispanic/Latino or Asian/Pacific Islander origin. A grounded theory approach was applied for inductive identification of relevant concepts and deductive interpretation of patterns and relationships among themes. Themes related to the perceived food environment included adequacy (i.e., variety and quality), acceptability (i.e., familiarity and preferences), affordability, and accessibility (i.e., convenience and accommodation). Subjective norms and processes of decisional balance and agency were themes characterizing interpersonal and personal factors affecting students' eating choices. The perceived environment appeared to closely interact with subjective norms to inform internal processes of decision-making and agency around the eating choices of first-year students attending a minority-serving university campus located in a food desert.