Behaviour change techniques used in effective interventions, promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition, and healthy body mass among women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors: a meta-review

Abstract

AIMS: This study examines behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in interventions delivered to women with breast cancer or survivors of breast cancer. We aimed to identify BCTs that are consistently used in interventions, particularly those supported by evidence across three outcomes: nutrition behaviour, physical activity, and body weight. METHODS: A meta-review (preregistered in PROSPERO; #CRD42024521376) was conducted, integrating evidence from systematic, scoping, and pragmatic reviews. Ten databases were searched using ASReviews software and manual searches; 37 reviews were included. The ROBIS tool was applied to assess the bias risk. BCTs were considered supported if ≥3 reviews provided evidence of their effectiveness, with ≥60% of original studies showing a significant improvement in respective outcomes. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that 24 BCTs influenced either single or combined behaviours. In the case of 14 out of these 24 BCTs, existing evidence supported effectiveness for one outcome only: physical activity. Six techniques were effective across all outcomes (healthy nutrition, physical activity, and healthy body mass): goal setting, problem solving, action planning, reviewing goals, social rewards, and positive self-talk. DISCUSSION: The findings may guide the development of interventions targeting complex, multi-behaviour changes among women with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer.

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