Designing and Evaluating Behaviour Change Interventions

Step 1: Identify the problem

Identify the Problem

Before it is possible to design an effective service, it is essential that you are clear what behaviour it is that you are aiming to change and why this should be a priority in the context you’re intending to work.

An example:
WHAT is the problem? More than 1 in 5 people in Scotland continue to smoke. Long-term declines in rates of smoking have stalled in recent years and smoking is more common in areas of socio-economic deprivation, such as X.
WHY is this a problem? Smoking is a known cause of cancer and heart disease. Rates of smoking are therefore likely to be one cause of health inequalities. 
What is your ultimate AIM? Decrease the numbers of people smoking and frequency of smoking in area X.