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Open Access 12-12-2022 | Obesity | Original Article

Designing financial incentives for health behaviour change: a mixed-methods case study of weight loss in men with obesity

Authors: Marjon van der Pol, Matthew McDonald, Hannah Collacott, Stephan U. Dombrowski, Fiona M. Harris, Frank Kee, Alison Avenell, Cindy Gray, Rebecca Skinner, Pat Hoddinott, on behalf of the ‘Game of Stones’ team

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Aim

Designing financial incentives for health behaviour change requires choices across several domains, including value (the size of the incentive), frequency of incentives, and direction (gain or loss). However, the rationale underlying complex incentive design is infrequently reported. Transparent reporting is important if we want to understand and improve the incentive development process. This paper describes a mixed methods approach for designing financial incentives for health behaviour change which involves stakeholders throughout the design process.

Subject and methods

The mixed methods approach focuses on incentives for weight loss for men with obesity living in areas with high levels of disadvantage. The approach involves: (a) using an existing framework to identify all domains of a financial incentive scheme for which choices need to be made, deciding what criteria are relevant (such as effectiveness, acceptability and uptake) and making choices on each domain on the basis of the criteria; (b) conducting a survey of target population preferences to inform choices for domains and to design the incentive scheme; and (c) making final decisions at a stakeholder consensus workshop.

Results

The approach was implemented and an incentive scheme for weight loss for men living with obesity was developed. Qualitative interview data from men receiving the incentives in a feasibility trial endorses our approach.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates that a mixed methods approach with stakeholder involvement can be used to design financial incentives for health behaviour change such as weight loss.

Trial registration number

NCT03040518. Date: 2 February 2017.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Designing financial incentives for health behaviour change: a mixed-methods case study of weight loss in men with obesity
Authors: Marjon van der Pol
Matthew McDonald
Hannah Collacott
Stephan U. Dombrowski
Fiona M. Harris
Frank Kee
Alison Avenell
Cindy Gray
Rebecca Skinner
Pat Hoddinott
on behalf of the ‘Game of Stones’ team
Publication date: 12-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01785-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Designing financial incentives for health behaviour change: a mixed-methods case study of weight loss in men with obesity

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration number

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration number

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