Social Cognitive Theory-Based Health Promotion in Primary Care Practice: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Interventions that have underpinned a theoretical perspective to guide the research design and implementation can be used as a coherent intervention model. Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is a particularly useful framework for studies focusing on a specific behavior change through health promotion research.

Objective: This scoping review explored and summarized the current evidence on health promotion interventions that integrated constructs of Social Cognitive Theory and the outcome of those interventions in primary care settings.

Methodology: Using the PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed articles from five electronic databases and additional sources that were peer-reviewed journal articles reporting interventions applying SCT constructs and synthesized the outcomes following the interventions.

Results: Among 849 retrieved from multiple sources, 39 articles met our eligibility criteria. Most studies (n = 19) were conducted in the United States. Twenty-six studies followed a randomized control trial design. Most studies (n = 26) recruited participants utilizing the primary care network. All 39 studies mentioned, 'self-efficacy' as the most utilized construct of SCT to determine how behavior change operates, followed by 'observational learning' through role models. Twenty-three studies integrated individual (face-to-face) or peer group-based counseling-training programs; eight interventions used telephonic health coaching by a specialist; eight studies used audio-visual mediums. All included studies reported positive health outcomes following the intervention, including an increase in self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, increased Knowledge of dietary intake, high-risk behaviors such as STIs transmission, adapting to a healthy lifestyle, and adherence to post-transplant medication.

Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that SCT-based interventions positively impact health outcomes and intervention effectiveness. Further implementation research should embrace theories as a central part of the design process and evaluate how different conceptual constructs can inform health promotion practice in primary care.

Note:
Funding Declaration: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies.

Conflict of Interests: None.

Keywords: Health Promotion, Primary Health Care, Social Cognitive Theory, Behavior Outcome, Self Efficacy