The Use of Theory in Health Behavior Research from 2000 to 2005: A Systematic Review
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The Use of Theory in Health Behavior Research from 2000 to 2005: A Systematic Review Julia E. Painter, M.P.H. & Christina P. C. Borba, M.P.H. & Michelle Hynes, M.P.H. & Darren Mays, M.P.H. & Karen Glanz, Ph.D, M.P.H.
Published online: 17 July 2008 # The Society of Behavioral Medicine 2008
Abstract Background Theory-based health behavior change programs are thought to be more effective than those that do not use theory. No previous reviews have assessed the extent to which theory is used (that is, operationalized and tested) in empirical research. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe theory use in recent health behavior literature and to assess the proportion of research that uses theory along a continuum from: informed by theory to applying, testing, or building theory. Methods A sample of empirical research articles (n=193) published in ten leading public health, medicine, and psychology journals from 2000 to 2005 was coded to determine whether and how theory was used. Results Of health behavior articles in the sample, 35.7% mentioned theory. The most-often-used theories were The Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, and Health Belief Model. Most theory use (68.1%) involved research that was informed by theory; 18% applied theory; 3.6% tested theory; and 9.4% sought to build theory. Conclusions About one third of published health behavior research uses theory and a small proportion of those studies rigorously apply theory. Patterns of theory use are similar to reports from the mid-1990s. Behavioral researchers should strive to use theory more thoroughly by applying, testing, and building theories in order to move the field forward.
J. E. Painter : C. P. C. Borba : M. Hynes : D. Mays : K. Glanz (*) Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, NE, Rm 530, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA e-mail: [email protected]
Keywords Health behavior . Theory . Conceptual frameworks . Research trends
Introduction Many of the leading causes of disease and death in the USA and globally are related to health behaviors including smoking, diet, physical activity, substance use, and sexual practices [1–3]. Consequently, research and practice focusing on the role of behavior in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease is essential and holds promise for improving the health of populations. Theories can be used to explain the structural and psychological determinants of behavior and to guide the development and refinement of health promotion and education efforts. Health behavior theories focus on multiple determinants of behavior at the individual, interpersonal, group, organizational, and/or community levels [4]. The volume of literature on health behavior theories demonstrates the enormous interest in health behavior and widespread use of health behavior theories, which seems to have increased over the past two decades [5]. Theories should evolve over time, improvements in theory should be a cyclical pro
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