Behavioral epidemiology: A systematic framework to classify phases of research on health promotion and disease prevention

Abstract

Although the term "behavioral epidemiology" has been used in the literature since the late 1970s, it has not been clearly defined. A behavioral epidemiology framework is proposed to specify a systematic sequence of studies on health-related behaviors, leading to evidence-based interventions directed at populations. The phase are: 1--establish links between behaviors and health; 2--develop measures of the behavior; 3--identify influences on the behavior; 4--evaluate interventions to change the behavior; 5--translate research into practice. Mature research areas are expected to have more studies in the latter phases. Recent volumes of four journals (Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Health Psychology, Journal of Nutrition Education, Tobacco Control) were audited, and empirical studies were classified into these phases. Phase 3 studies were common (identifying influences on behaviors; 27% to 50%), and Phase 2 studies were least common (measurement; 0% to 15%). Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology were low on Phase 4 (intervention studies; 9% and 11%, respectively). The Journal of Nutrition Education was the only journal reviewed that had a substantial number (20%) of Phase 5 studies (translating research into practice). The behavioral epidemiology framework can be used to evaluate the status of research on health behaviors and to guide research policies.

Environmental factors associated with adults' participation in physical activity A review

“…36 If particular environmental attributes identified in cross-sectional studies are to be advocated in order to influence policy changes and large-scale environmental innovations, evidence from intervention studies is crucial. 3,37 In light of the available evidence, we would conclude that research on environmental influences has considerable promise for the purpose of identifying significant and potentially modifiable influences on physical activity behavior.…”

A grounded theory of how social support influences physical activity in adolescent girls

“…There is some indication of gender differences between the factors related to PA in adolescents (Telford, Telford, Olive, Cochrane, & Davey, 2016), and as such, interventions may need to be tailored to be effective for boys or girls. A better understanding of the factors associated with PA in adolescent girls specifically may inform more effective intervention design for this population (Sallis, Owen, & Fotheringham, 2000). …”

Using self-determination theory to understand motivation for walking: Instrument development and model testing using Bayesian structural equation modelling

“…In order to effectively promote walking, there is a need to identify the determinants of walking behaviour (Sallis, Owen, & Fotheringham, 2000). In line with the social ecological model (Sallis, Owen, & Fisher, 2008) it is likely that walking behaviour is influenced by individual, social and physical environmental, and policy factors.…”