Understanding healthy eating and physical activity community-centred behaviour change interventions for underserved populations: A mixed methods rapid review

Marshall, Jessica, Minihane, Anne-Marie, Jong, Stephanie T., Hanson, Sarah, Akter, Shamima, Garner, Nikki and Hardeman, Wendy (2026) Understanding healthy eating and physical activity community-centred behaviour change interventions for underserved populations: A mixed methods rapid review. British Journal of Health Psychology, 31 (1). ISSN 1359-107X

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Abstract

Purpose: Community behaviour change interventions are a promising strategy for addressing unhealthy eating and physical activity behaviours in underserved populations. This review explores these interventions’ characteristics by focusing on behaviour change techniques, evaluates their behaviour change effectiveness, and examines participant experiences. Methods: A mixed methods rapid review was conducted. Five databases and the grey literature were searched and supplemented by hand searching. Results were screened, assessed for methodological quality, and data extracted using the Behaviour Change Techniques Ontology. A convergent segregated approach was used to synthesise the results. Results: Twenty-one studies were included. Commonly used behaviour change techniques were social support, guidance on how to perform the behaviour, and monitoring. Intervention effects on healthy eating and physical activity behaviour change were small, but outcomes that measured influences on behaviour change (e.g., social support) improved. Participants reported largely positive experiences, mostly attributed to the intervention’s tailoring to the target population’s contexts and the engagement and expertise of those who delivered the intervention. Conclusions: Evidence of direct behaviour change remains limited; there is stronger evidence for improvements in factors that influence behaviour change. Qualitative evidence highlights the value of tailoring interventions to participants’ lives and using relatable, knowledgeable sources for delivery. This could enhance engagement and contribute to improved outcomes over time. Further research is needed on how contextual tailoring is implemented and how the characteristics of those delivering interventions influence effectiveness and experience. Findings support the potential of community-centred approaches, but long-term evaluations in underserved contexts are needed.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Nutrition and Preventive Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Metabolic Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Behavioural and Implementation Science
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2025 17:30
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2025 17:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101439
DOI:	10.1111/bjhp.70043

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