Using mixed methods to design a web-based behavioural intervention to reduce transmission of colds and flu

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Respiratory infections pose a significant public health challenge.
• Effective interventions are needed to reduce disease transmission.
• Understanding user beliefs is crucial for developing targeted health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the development of a web-based intervention for reducing respiratory infection transmission risk.
• To examine user responses to intervention materials and identify relevant beliefs.
• To test assumptions about preventive behaviors, behavioral determinants, and intentions.

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods approach combining qualitative studies and a questionnaire survey.
• Qualitative studies involved 28 users to explore responses and beliefs.
• Questionnaire study (N=129) assessed hand-washing feasibility, behavioral determinants, and intentions.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis revealed beliefs, such as the perception that minor infections benefit the immune system.
• Questionnaire results confirmed hand-washing as a feasible and appropriate target behavior.
• Behavioral determinants were found to be related to behavioral intentions.

Conclusions:

• Web-based interventions can be informed by user beliefs and behaviors.
• Hand-washing is a viable target behavior for reducing respiratory infection transmission.
• Addressing specific beliefs may enhance intervention effectiveness for infection control.