Medical analogies help to grasp the logic behind behaviour change interventions

OBJECTIVE: To explain the logic of Acyclic Behaviour Change Diagrams (ABCDs) and demonstrate how medical analogies can clarify the causal-structural chains of behaviour change interventions when working in multidisciplinary teams.

APPROACH: ABCDs visually represent causal-structural chains linking behaviour change principles to intervention targets. Medical analogies are used to illustrate this logic by comparing behaviours to diseases, determinants to underlying causes, and behaviour change principles to mechanisms of action in treatment. The importance of identifying relevant determinants and applying principles under appropriate conditions for effectiveness is highlighted.

CONCLUSION: Medical analogies can help to grasp the logic behind behaviour change interventions, thereby supporting collaboration in multidisciplinary teams and adequate application of behaviour change principles.