Understanding personal behavioral determinants in the decision-making of change agents from local politics and government in planning and implementing community health promotion: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background Implementing environmental changes to promote healthier communities requires initial positive decisions by change agents from local politics and local government. However, there is little research on what influences the change agents' decisions. The aim of this explorative, qualitative study is to identify the personal behavioral determinants that influence the decision-making behavior of local change agents. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews to assess the personal behavioral determinants of decision-making behavior among 22 change agents from local politics and local government. Relevant determinants were identified through a structured content analysis of the interview transcripts using the software MAXQDA 2020. Results We found the following seven essential personal behavioral determinants of the decision-making behavior of change agents from local politics and local government: Imprinting, socialization, and biography; experiences and involvement; important issues and aspects; knowledge; emotions; personal benefits; and the perceived influences of others. Conclusions The identified personal behavioral determinants might serve as a source of understanding the decision-making behavior of change agents in community decision-making processes. Our findings can contribute to the effective planning and implementation of evidence-based multilevel interventions related to changing environmental conditions in communities and provide important information on which factors should be considered when developing strategies for community health promotion. Future research should examine tailored methods and strategies for changing the personal behavioral determinants of the decision-making of change agents.