Increasing condom use in heterosexual men: development of a theory-based interactive digital intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Intervention Design

Background:

• Increasing condom use is crucial for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Theory- and evidence-based interventions are more effective for behavior change.
• The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) offers a structured framework for developing health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of the BCW framework in developing an intervention to increase condom use in heterosexual men.
• To introduce the MenSS website as an example of a BCW-developed intervention.
• To highlight the integration of research evidence, expert opinion, and target population views in intervention design.

Main Methods:

• Followed the systematic steps of the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) intervention development process.
• Incorporated evidence from scientific literature and insights from experts and the target demographic.
• Identified key targets for intervention, focusing on capability (e.g., knowledge) and motivation (e.g., beliefs about pleasure).

Main Results:

• The BCW framework facilitated the integration of diverse evidence sources.
• Specific intervention targets related to capability and motivation were identified for increasing condom use.
• Interactive features and behavior change techniques were selected to address identified targets.

Conclusions:

• The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) is a valuable tool for developing evidence-based public health interventions.
• The BCW aids in systematically integrating evidence to inform intervention content and target behavioral influences.
• The MenSS website exemplifies a practical application of the BCW for promoting condom use among heterosexual men.