Measuring behavior change technique delivery and receipt in physical activity behavioral interventions

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Physical activity behavioral support research traditionally focuses on the presence or absence of behavior change techniques (BCTs).
• A gap exists in precisely measuring the delivery and receipt of BCTs in these interventions.
• Accurate measurement is crucial for understanding intervention effectiveness and fidelity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel coding method for assessing BCT delivery and receipt in physical activity behavioral support.
• To enhance the measurement of intervention fidelity in behavior change counseling.
• To provide a tool for analyzing counselor-client interactions in physical activity interventions.

Main Methods:

• A new coding system was developed using transcripts from physical activity counseling sessions for adults with disabilities.
• Two coders independently analyzed 30 audio-recorded counseling session transcripts.
• Interrater reliability was assessed using percentage agreement and Prevalence Adjusted Bias Adjusted Kappa (PABAK).

Main Results:

• Forty-eight codes for counselor statements (35 BCT delivery) and 46 for client statements (34 BCT receipt) were established.
• High interrater reliability was achieved for both counselor (84% agreement; PABAK = .98) and client statements (86% agreement; PABAK = .98).
• The most frequent BCTs related to Goals and Planning, Support Strategies, and Self Belief.

Conclusions:

• A reliable coding method for measuring BCT delivery and receipt in physical activity interventions has been presented.
• This method can improve intervention fidelity assessment and the study of counselor-client dynamics.
• Evaluating BCT delivery and receipt offers insights into effective behavioral support mechanisms.