Cited by 239Behavioral Health and InterventionsSmoking Behavior and CessationPhysical Activity and Health

Low-income groups and behaviour change interventions: a review of intervention content, effectiveness and theoretical frameworks

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Michie, S, Jochelson, K, Markham, W A, Bridle, C·2009·Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Abstract

Background: Interventions to change health-related behaviours have potential to increase health inequalities. Methods: This review investigated the effectiveness of interventions targeting low-income groups to reduce smoking or increase physical activity and/or healthy eating. Of 9766 papers identified by the search strategy, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Intervention content was coded into component technique and theoretical basis, and examined as a potential source of effect heterogeneity. Results: Interventions were heterogeneous, comprising 4–19 techniques. Nine interventions had positive effects, seven resulted in no change and one had an adverse effect. Effective interventions had a tendency to have fewer techniques than ineffective interventions, with no evidence for any technique being generally effective or ineffective. Only six studies cited theory relative to intervention development, with little information about how theory was used and no obvious association with intervention content or effect. Conclusion: This review shows that behaviour change interventions, particularly those with fewer techniques, can be effective in low-income groups, but highlights the lack of evidence to draw on in informing the design of interventions for disadvantaged groups.

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Crossref · 10.1136/jech.2008.078725

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Authors
Michie, S., Jochelson, K., Markham, W. A., & Bridle, C.
Affiliations
  • University College London (GB)
  • Equality and Human Rights Commission (GB)
  • University of Warwick (GB)
Corresponding author
Michie, S
Venue
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Publisher
BMJ
Published
2009-04-21
Volume
63
Issue
8
Pages
610-622
ISSN
  • 0141-7681 (ISSN-L)
  • 0143-005X
  • 1470-2738
OpenAlex
W2113648087
Cited by
238
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 15
FWCI
14.52
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Lincoln Repository (University of Lincoln) (acceptedVersion)
  • Warwick Research Archive Portal (University of Warwick) (acceptedVersion)
  • BGRO - Business, Governance and Religious Organisations Repository (submittedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Smoking Behavior and Cessation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
Keywords
behaviour change interventions, low-income populations, health disparities, smoking cessation, physical activity, healthy eating, intervention techniques, theoretical framework, intervention effectiveness, heterogeneous effects, disadvantaged groups
MeSH terms
Behavior Therapy, Feeding Behavior, Health Promotion, Humans, Models, Theoretical, Motor Activity, Social Class, Health Behavior, Smoking Cessation, Risk Reduction Behavior

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