Description

Human behaviors affect health outcomes. Behavioral and social sciences investigate the cognitive, social, and environmental influences on health-related behaviors, encompassing both drivers and barriers. Data concerning actions that impact individuals, communities, and populations can improve the formulation of policies and programs, messaging, and offerings aimed at advancing health for all. Employing behavioral and social sciences requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines theories, methods, research, practical tools, and techniques from psychology, sociology, anthropology, communications, marketing, economics, systems thinking, and design thinking, among other disciplines. Findings from behavioral and social sciences can strengthen and bolster various public health efforts that focus on the non-medical elements influencing health outcomes.