Do Single and Multiple Behavior Change Interventions Contain Different Behavior Change Techniques? A Comparison of Interventions Targeting Physical Activity in Obese Populations

摘要

Objective: Interventions to increase physical activity can target this behavior alone or as part of multiple health behavior change (MHBC) interventions. To date little is known about the content of MHBC interventions as compared to single health behavior change (SHBC) interventions. This study aims to compare the number and type of behavior change techniques (BCTs) used in SHBC versus MHBC interventions via a secondary analysis of studies included in a systematic review of physical activity interventions in obese populations.ududMethods: BCTs used to increase physical activity (PA BCTs) in intervention descriptions of included studies were double coded using a standardized BCT taxonomy. Interventions were categorised as SHBC (targeting physical activity) or MHBC (targeting physical activity and diet) interventions. The mean number of PA BCTs for SHBC and MHBC interventions was compared using an independent samples t-test. Chi square analyses for each BCT assessed differences in proportions of SHBC and MHBC interventions that contained that BCT.ududResults: The MHBC obesity interventions contained a greater number of PA BCTs (Mean = 11.68) than the SHBC obesity interventions (Mean = 8.71). Six PA BCTs were more common in MHBC interventions. Two PA BCTs were more common in the SHBC interventions. ududConclusions: SHBC and MHBC interventions may systematically differ not only in the number of behaviors targeted but also in the numbers and type of BCTs used. This study demonstrates that intervention content should also be considered when assessing the effectiveness of MHBC interventions relative to SHBC interventions.