Improving behavioural interventions in healthcare to address the needs of disadvantaged groups: A policy-focused evidence brief

The policy challenge: Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes share common modifiable risk factors. Although behavioural interventions can help in reducing these risks in the overall population, they are often less effective for disadvantaged groups and may risk worsening inequalities. A systemic approach is needed, with healthcare systems playing a key role in adapting such interventions to be more inclusive and accessible to those who need them the most. This policy-focused evidence brief explores international evidence on improving behavioural interventions for disadvantaged groups. Key evidence to inform policy: There is no single set of specific interventions that can guarantee improved access, uptake and effectiveness of behavioural interventions among disadvantaged groups. However, effective interventions share four key features: they 1) adopt a targeted approach, 2) address stigma 3) are tailored to the users' linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and 4) involve long-term, multi-component programmes co-created with disadvantaged communities. Further considerations and implications: To improve effectiveness, policies should target disadvantaged groups, address linguistic and cultural barriers, co-create interventions with communities, and combat stigma through tailored approaches and professional training. Sustainable, long-term support mechanisms are needed to maintain health benefits and reduce inequalities in behavioural intervention outcomes. Current evidence offers limited insights into specific intervention components and their differential impacts across diverse groups. Future research should address these gaps to provide more specific guidance for policy and practice.