POH 705 MIDTERM 2

week 6 and 8

Why care about behaviour change in health promo?

• Its best done with an understanding of theories of behavioural change, and understanding how to use theme skillfully in research and practice

What is theory why we use it?

• It explains behaviours and guides interventions 

• This is useful during planning, implementation and evaluation stages 

Purpose Theories

• explanatory

• change 

• implementation

Explanatory theories 

• Theory of problem 

• Describe why a problem exists

Change theories

• Theories of action 

• Guide development of interventions and basis of evaluation

• Explain why individuals or groups or change 

Implementation theories 

• Link theory to specific problem, audience, and basis of evaluation 

• Explains why individuals or groups change (determinants of behaviour)

Domain Theories

• learning 

• scientific 

• psychological

How theories are structured

• concepts —> constructs —> variables —> principles —> models 

concepts 

general idea 

constructs

• Formally developed defined concept 

• Theory specific idea, they are measured as variables

principles 

• Broad rules for hypothesis 

• Gives researchers a starting point for testing ideas

models 

• It applies theory to specific contexts 

• The blueprints that apply theoretical building blocks to solve practical issues 

Evidence based reviews (EBRs) 

 help synthesize research findings and help decide which models/theories are most effective in real world settings

Why EBRs matter

•  helps inform a decision-making in policy, healthcare and academia

  • Shows which theories/interventions are most effective

• Many different types of reviews 

  • Vary in scope, depth and methodological rigor 

• Identify gaps in research practice 

• Helps health educators design programs with best odds of success

Literature review

To summarize and synthesize existing research on a specific topic

Can be broad or narrow, often selective in choosing sources

Typically narrative in approach, without  formal systematic process; can be completed relatively quickly

narrative review 

Provide an interpretative and contextual analysis of research trends and themes

Broad and flexible  Often used in theoretical or conceptual discussions

No strict methodology; relies on expert knowledge and thematic synthesis; typically completed in a few months

rapid review 

Provide timely evidence by streamlining the systematic review process

Focuses on key studies, often limiting databases or search years

Uses simplified search and appraisal methods; usually completed in weeks to a few months

meta analysis

To determine overall effectiveness of an intervention or association by statistically combining results from multiple studies

Focuses on specific research question with strict inclusion criteria

Uses systematic search and selection of studies, extracts effect sizes, and applies statistical techniques to calculate a pooled estimate

scoping review

Map key concepts, evidence and identify research gaps in a broad topic area

Covers a wide range of studies without strict inclusion/exclusion criteria

Uses systematic search strategies but does not critically appraise studies in depth; typically completed in a few months

systematic review 

Comprehensive and reproducible synthesis of all relevant studies on a focused research question

Follows rigorous predefined protocol with strict inclusion/exclusion criteria

Includes structured search study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal, can take 6 months to 2 years