An approach to capturing the cultural contexts of health behaviours

This paper explores the relationship between cultural contexts and health behaviours, emphasising the need for a comprehensive understanding of cultural influences and acknowledging the limitations of current approaches to health behaviours in unpacking cultural dimensions of health behaviours. We argue that health behaviours, which are integral to achieving good health and health equity, are deeply intertwined with the cultural frameworks within which they occur. In response to an increasing recognition among health authorities of the importance of health behaviours and their cultural dimensions, the paper discusses (1) the role of culture in shaping health behaviours, (2) the intersectionality of cultural identities, and (3) the systemic factors that contribute to health inequities. Using the World Health Organization Tailoring Health Programmes approach as a framework, we propose an approach to health programmes and policies that is behaviourally informed and culturally grounded. By advocating for a participatory, community-engaged approach and emphasising the importance of disaggregated data, the paper aims to inform future public health strategies that are more equitable, responsive, and effective in promoting health behaviours across diverse populations.