A Network Information-Based Behavior Change Wheel for Populations at High Risk of Developing Gastric Cancer.

Abstract

Gastric cancer remains a major health burden in China, with approximately 509,000 new cases and 400,000 deaths annually. However, awareness and compliance with early screening among high-risk populations are low. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a network information-based health education management model based on the behavior change wheel (BCW) theory, which provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and modifying behavior by targeting three key components: capability, opportunity, and motivation. A total of 260 high-risk individuals were recruited from two comparable communities, with 130 participants in each group. The control group received standard community-based education and follow-up, while the intervention group received a 1-year BCW-based program tailored to address behavioral barriers. The subjects in both groups were intervened for 1 year, and the gastroscopy rate after 1 year was observed, as well as awareness of gastric cancer prevention and control knowledge, smoking habits, and eating behaviors such as use of public chopsticks or meal sharing before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the test group showed a significantly higher gastroscopy rate, greater awareness of gastric cancer risk factors, and improved knowledge of screening and gastroscopy compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the test group had lower smoking rates and higher adoption of healthy eating behaviors (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the BCW-based model effectively enhances screening behaviors and health awareness in high-risk populations, promoting early detection and prevention of gastric cancer.