Table 3 Behaviour Change Techniques for peer support intervention to encourage dietary change towards a Mediterranean Diet
COM-B domain | BCT for inclusion in the intervention (n=19) | Example of intervention strategy to deliver BCT |
|---|---|---|
Capability | Provide normative behaviour about others’ behaviour Provide instruction on how to perform behaviour | Peer supporters provide information about current MD adherence in Northern European populations Peer supporters provide group members with a booklet and a visual guide (MD food pyramid) to explain the types and proportions of food components in a MD |
Model/demonstrate the behaviour Provide information on when and where to perform the behaviour Set graded tasks | Peer supporters show a short video clip to group members demonstrating preparation and consumption of a MD on a budget Recipe books and written information provide information regarding different meals, and also eating out as well as eating in the home. Increasing adherence to a MD is broken down into smaller tasks within written materials, e.g. food swaps are listed separately for each major MD component | |
Opportunity | Plan social support/social change Social support (unspecified) | Group members are encouraged to support and contact each other between group sessions Peer supporters and group members provide positive encouragement and support to each-other to adopt new MD behaviours |
Motivation | Barrier identification/problem solving | Peer supporters facilitate group discussion to identify barriers/ challenges in achieving personal MD goals and assist members to select the best strategies to overcome these |
Goal setting (behaviour) Goal setting (outcome) | Peer supporters support members to set MD goals at each group session based on the session topic Group members are encouraged within their personal planners to define what they want to achieve by taking part in the peer support groups, e.g. weight loss, reduce CVD risk etc. | |
Action planning | Peer supporters support members to set MD goals that are easy to measure, something that can be achieved, small and meaningful (i.e. SMART goals) at each group session | |
Provide information on consequences of behaviour in general | Peer supporters show a short video clip to group members demonstrating the health effects of a MD | |
Biofeedback | Peer supporters offer individual feedback on blood pressure and weight measurements at each group session | |
Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour | Group members are given personal planners to monitor their daily/weekly progress in achieving set MD goals and to allow them to record any barriers/challenges they experience | |
Prompt self-monitoring of behavioural outcome | Group members are encouraged to log and monitor their weight, blood pressure etc. in personal planners | |
Prompt review of behavioural goals | Each group session will provide an opportunity for general progress review in terms of behaviour | |
Use of follow-up prompts | Group sessions decrease in frequency after six months | |
Relapse prevention/coping planning | One group session (session nine) is dedicated to maintenance of dietary change and relapse prevention |