Scientific Objectives of the HBCR Workgroup:
- To advance measurement of health behavior change
- To advance theory and understanding of health behavior change mechanisms
- To develop, test and disseminate health behavior change interventions
Indicators of Success:
- Publications and conference presentations
- Funding
- Interventions adopted and maintained by community, organizations and/or translated into policy
- Visiting scholars, interns, research practicum students
Rationale for HBCR Workgroup:
The highest morbidity and mortality due to chronic diseases (Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Obesity) have demonstrated strong associations with a number of health behaviors, such as physical activity, healthy nutrition, smoking, and alcohol intake. However;
The highest morbidity and mortality due to chronic diseases (Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Obesity) have demonstrated strong associations with a number of health behaviors, such as physical activity, healthy nutrition, smoking, and alcohol intake. However;
- More than 1/3 of adults do not meet national recommendations for physical activity:
- Only 24% consume the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables
- 1 in 5 Americans regularly smoke
- 30% report excessive alcohol use
- Adoption of healthy lifestyles is estimated to save over $16 billion in annual medical costs.
- Adoption of 3 healthy behaviors is estimated to reduce chronic disease by 68 to 71%.
- Despite this, health behavior change interventions have been stunted by inconsistent measurement, methodological issues, and lack of understanding of how and why (theory).