The choice of a measure in a health-promotion study

Abstract

Two general principles are proposed as a basis for the construction of a health behavior index. The goal is to suggest a way to choose a dependent variable for studies designed to compare interventions which promote medically beneficial habits. The first principle is that because it is behavior which is being modified, it is behavior which must be measured. The second principle concerns the choice among behaviors to be measured. The advocated resolution is that the behavior with the greatest medical relevance form the basis of the index. Illustrations are given for reduction of alcohol consumption and weight reduction. © 1988 IRL Press Ltd.