Behavioral epidemiology: A systematic framework to classify phases of research on health promotion and disease prevention

Although the term "behavioral epidemiology" has been used in the literature since the later 1970s, it has not been clearly defined. A behavioral epide miology framework is proposed to specify a systematic sequence of studies o n health-related behaviors, leading to evidence-based interventions directe d at populations. The phases are: 1 - establish links between behaviors and health; 2 - develop measures of the behavior; 3 - identify influences on t he behavior; 4 - evaluate interventions to change the behavior; 5 - transla te research into practice. Mature research areas are expected to have more studies in the latter phases. Recent volumes of four journals (Annals of Be havioral Medicine, Health Psychology, Journal of Nutrition Education, Tobac co Control) were audited, and empirical studies were classified into these phases. Phase 3 studies were common (identifying influences on behaviors; 2 7% to 50%), and Phase 2 studies were least common (measurement; 0% to 15%). Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology were low on Phase 4 (i ntervention studies; 9% and 11%, respectively). The journal of Nutrition Ed ucation was the only journal reviewed that had a substantial number (20%) o f Phase 5 studies (translating research into practice). The behavioral epid emiology framework can be used to evaluate the status of research on health behaviors and to guide research policies.