Practical Steps to Design Brucellosis Preventive Interventions: An Intervention Mapping Approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Intervention Design

Background:

• Brucellosis poses a significant public health challenge in endemic areas, necessitating targeted interventions.
• Intervention mapping provides a structured framework for selecting appropriate methods and applications for health programs.
• Control of brucellosis in Iran is a critical public health priority.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the intervention mapping model for designing brucellosis prevention interventions.
• To apply the intervention mapping approach to develop and implement a brucellosis control program.

Main Methods:

• A six-step intervention mapping process was employed from July to December 2023.
• Needs assessment included literature review, semi-structured interviews, and checklists.
• Intervention components were designed based on theory, practical applications, and participatory input, followed by implementation and evaluation.

Main Results:

• Intervention mapping guided the design and implementation of an educational program for brucellosis control.
• The process involved defining outcomes, performance objectives, determinants, theoretical methods, and practical applications.
• Step-by-step evaluation ensured program effectiveness and participant involvement.

Conclusions:

• The intervention mapping approach enhances transparency in intervention design and implementation.
• It offers a valuable framework for developing behavior change interventions for infectious diseases like brucellosis.