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. 2021 Jan 15;23(1):e20491. doi: 10.2196/20491

Table 2.

Overview of the theoretical constructs, behavior change techniques used to operationalize each construct, and a description of their use within the digital intervention to promote lifestyle change in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Theoretical construct BCTsa to operationalize constructs [12] (corresponding taxonomy code numbers) Description and purpose of BCT use Source of BCT selection from TDFb analyses in Step 1c
Risk perception

  • Information on antecedents (4.2)

  • Information about health consequences (5.1)

 Communicate and challenge perceptions about NAFLDd risk Domain Knowledge
Outcome expectations

  • Pros and cons (9.2)

  • Credible source (9.1)

 Present pros and cons for making lifestyle behavior changes in relation to risk and management of NAFLD. An NAFLD specialist communicates this message to increase credibility Domains Beliefs About Consequences and Knowledge
Planning (action and coping)

  • Goal setting behavior (1.1)

  • Social support (unspecified; 3.1)

  • Social support (practical; 3.2)

  • Action planning (1.4)

  • Problem solving (1.2)

  • Instruction on how to perform a behavior (4.1)

  • Behavioral substitution (8.2)

  • Self-monitoring of behavior (2.3)

  • Self-monitoring of behavior on outcomes of behavior (2.4)

  • Review behavior goals (1.5)

 Prompt and support the development of behavioral goals and plans. Problem-solving strategies, social support, self-monitoring, and feedback promote maintenance. Review goals to enhance motivation and promote maintenance Domains Goals, Social Influences, Knowledge, and Behavioral Regulation
Self-efficacy (task and coping, recovery)

  • Social support (unspecified; 3.1)

  • Social support (practical; 3.2)

  • Self-monitoring of behavior (2.3)

  • Self-monitoring of behavior on outcomes of behavior (2.4)

  • Feedback on outcomes of behavior (2.7)

 Provide mechanisms for ensuring risk is adequately understood, planning is realistic and within capabilities, and problem solving is explicitly linked to target behaviors (diet and physical activity). Feedback and self-monitoring to provide positive reinforcement Domains Social Influences and Behavioral Regulation

aBCT: behavior change technique.

bTDF: Theoretical Domains Framework.

cSource of BCT selection from TDF analyses were identified from the analyses of interviews with HCPs and patients in step 1.

dNAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.