Foundations of Public Health Practice: Behaviour & Behaviour Change

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/behaviour-change-in-public-health

Introduction

### Course Review: Foundations of Public Health Practice: Behaviour & Behaviour Change With public health being a pivotal aspect of global well-being, understanding the dynamics of human behavior and the intricacies of behavior change is essential for effective intervention strategies. "Foundations of Public Health Practice: Behaviour & Behaviour Change," offered by Imperial College London on Coursera, provides a robust framework for those looking to delve into this critical component of public health. #### Overview This course is the third installment in the Foundations of Public Health Practice specialization, part of the Global Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Developed by a blend of seasoned academics and practitioners, the curriculum integrates practical insights with in-depth theoretical knowledge from the field. Through engaging video lectures, practitioner interviews, and interactive activities, learners are immersed in the vital topics surrounding behavior and behavior change as they relate to public health. #### Syllabus Breakdown **Module One: Behaviour and Behaviour Change Principles** The course begins by unpacking the fundamentals of behavior in the context of health improvement. Learners are introduced to essential concepts such as risk communication and the interpretation of risk. Critical theories like the Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behaviour are explored, laying a solid foundation for understanding how behavior influences health outcomes. Additionally, modern insights are introduced through behavioral economics, emphasizing the role of nudges in promoting positive behavior change. **Module Two: Analysing Behaviour and Effecting Change** In the second module, the focus shifts to the practical application of behavior change principles. The Behaviour Change Wheel is introduced alongside the COM-B model of behavior, equipping learners with contemporary methodologies for analyzing behavior and developing evidence-based interventions. Case studies on physical activity and other public health topics provide a diverse context for applying these concepts, enabling participants to appreciate the breadth of public health practice. **Module Three: Theory into Practice** This module serves as a capstone to the previous teachings, encouraging learners to apply what they have learned in a real-world context. Participants will engage in a peer-review exercise where they analyze a public health problem, formulate a COM-B diagnosis, and design an intervention based on the Behaviour Change Wheel methodology. This hands-on approach not only solidifies understanding but also fosters collaborative learning among peers. #### Conclusion and Recommendation The "Foundations of Public Health Practice: Behaviour & Behaviour Change" course is an excellent choice for public health practitioners, students, and anyone interested in the science of behavior change. The combination of theoretical foundations, practical applications, and real-world insights ensures that learners walk away with a comprehensive understanding of how to tackle behavior-related health issues. Whether you are seeking to enhance your knowledge in public health, pursue a career in this field, or simply cultivate a deeper appreciation for the factors influencing health behaviors, this course is highly recommended. The structured, systematic approach, paired with an emphasis on practical implementation, makes it a valuable learning experience. Enroll now on Coursera, and take the next step in expanding your expertise in public health practice!

Syllabus

Module One: Behaviour and behaviour change principles

This third course, "Behaviour and Behaviour Change", part of the wider Foundations of Public Health Practice specialisation, is designed to introduce learners to the topic of behaviour and the centrality of behaviour change throughout public health. A very broad lens is cast on behaviour change as the course encompasses everything from clinical intervention up to national-level regulation and legislation. This first module, entitled "Understanding Behaviour" introduces learners to what behaviour means in the context of health improvement, and examines how we interpret risk. We look at risk communication before examining the health psychology literature and three common theories of behaviour: The Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The second lesson examines more modern insights into behaviour through the lens of behavioural economics, examining behavioural insights and the application of nudge-based techniques.

This third course, "Behaviour and Behaviour Change", part of the wider Foundations of Public Health Practice specialisation, is designed to introduce learners to the topic of behaviour and the centrality of behaviour change throughout public health. A very broad lens is cast on behaviour change as the course encompasses everything from clinical intervention up to national-level regulation and legislation. This second module, entitled "Analysing behaviour and effecting change" introduces learners to the Behaviour Change Wheel methodology that incorporates the COM-B model of behaviour. Students are guided through the latest approaches to behavioural analysis and evidence-based intervention development. While the module focuses on physical activity, we draw upon a range of other topics from the breadth of public health practice including medicines adherence and school-based interventions.

This third course, "Behaviour and Behaviour Change", part of the wider Foundations of Public Health Practice specialisation, is designed to introduce learners to the topic of behaviour and the centrality of behaviour change throughout public health. A very broad lens is cast on behaviour change as the course encompasses everything from clinical intervention up to national-level regulation and legislation. This third module, entitled "Theory into practice" builds on learners' existing knowledge of the Behaviour Change Wheel methodology and invites them to undertake their own rapid analysis of a public health problem and propose their COM-B diagnosis and BCW-based intervention via a peer-review exercise.