Rethinking how and when to report descriptions of behavior change content within interventions: A case study of an ongoing physical activity trial (ready steady 3.0)

Siobhan K. McMahon, Kait Macheledt, Elizabeth A. Choma, Beth A. Lewis, Weihua Guan, Jean F. Wyman, Alexander J. Rothman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Specifications of what and how much health behavior change (BC) content within research interventions are needed to advance BC science, its implementation, and dissemination. We analyzed the types and dosages of the smallest potentially active BC ingredients and associated behavioral prescriptions intended to be delivered in an ongoing physical activity optimization trial for older adults (Ready Steady 3.0 [RS3]). We defined BC types as behavior change techniques (BCT) and behavioral prescriptions. Our protocol integrated the BCT Taxonomy coding procedures with BCT roles (primary or secondary) and, when relevant, linkages to behavioral prescriptions. Primary BCTs targeted theoretical mechanisms of action, whereas secondary BCTs supported primary BCT delivery. Behavioral prescriptions represented what participants were encouraged to do with each primary BCT in RS3 (ascertain, practice, implement). We assessed dosage parameters of duration, frequency, and amount in each BCT and prescription. Results provided a catalog of in-depth, multidimensional content specifications with 12 primary BCTs, each supported by 2-7 secondary BCTs, with dosages ranging from 2 to 8 weeks, 1 to 8 contacts, and 5 to 451 minutes. Minutes spent on behavioral prescriptions varied: Ascertain (1 to 41), practice (5 to 315), and implement (0 to 38). Results can be organized and summarized in varied ways (e.g., by content component) to strengthen future assessments of RS3 fidelity and intervention refinement. Results highlight potential benefits of this early, integrated approach to analyzing BC content and frames questions about how such information might be incorporated and disseminated with reporting research outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)368-379
Number of pages12
JournalTranslational behavioral medicine
Volume13
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

Keywords

  • Behavior change techniques
  • Behavioral prescriptions
  • Dosages
  • Health behavior change
  • Intervention content

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

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