Abstract
Welcome to this behaviour change special issue where novel, often multidisciplinary perspectives are shared, and traditional, sometimes stereotypical viewpoints are challenged. This leads to fruitful discussion concerning behaviour change for research, policy and practice. Broadly, shared sentiments within this issue relate to (1) acknowledging complexity, (2) deliberating challenges and opportunities, and (3) recognising the context or nuances of behaviour change.
Human behaviours which include, but are not limited to, physical activity, dietary behaviours, alcohol consumption and tobacco continue to play a key role in the leading causes of death. Furthermore, unhealthy behaviours tend to cluster in society’s most vulnerable groups with some individuals engaging in multiple unhealthy behaviours. 1 Evidence-based health behaviour change interventions and policies are part of the solution for reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality and combatting rising demands for health services. This special issue features a unique blend of articles which show how researchers, policymakers and practitioners can more effectively improve public health in different settings and population groups.
Donovan highlights the complexity of behaviour change by discussing a social gradient of invitation whereby human behaviour occurs within environments which may amplify the adverse social outcomes endured by the disadvantaged. 2 In our field of research, it too is difficult to envisage a future where obesity prevalence decreases, in environments that actively promote obesity-related behaviours, particularly for those within poorer areas. Several authors build on this notion of complexity by referring to behaviour change for vulnerable individuals or those with multiple needs. However, this issue also frames complexity as an opportunity, including that of multidisciplinary partnerships.
Changing behaviour is undoubtedly challenging with evidence about the effectiveness of behaviour change not always clear. 3 However, Vandelanotte provides a contemporary discussion of opportunities for e- and m-health-based behaviour change interventions. 4 Leaman and O’Moore outline how the interplay of crime and public health and the coordination of blue light services (fire, ambulance and police) may better meet the needs of specific populations. 5 Gesinde and Harry support this by highlighting how motivational interviewing is effective for improving asthma medication but more effective when using other interventions such as web-based applications. 6 Finally, Haas et al. provide a novel perspective challenging the traditional stereotypical perception of student life: health conscious students. 7
The topics covered within this issue highlight recent developments, novel perspectives, and what knowledge gaps may still persist. Changing behaviour is clearly a multifaceted and challenging process which is duly highlighted by Kasila et al., 8 who showed that, despite a good knowledge and awareness of the risks of being inactive, smoking tobacco and drinking, a significant proportion of healthcare professionals engaged in unhealthy behaviours with few ongoing attempts to change to more healthy habits. This gap between behaviour and knowledge reinforces the need to target healthy lifestyle programmes at healthcare professionals as well as the general public.