One size does not fit all, one lens does not see all: Policymakers’ needs to integrate behavioral insights into equitable public health policy

<p>Despite growing recognition of behavioral science in policymaking, behavioral insights remain inconsistently integrated into public health policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic health inequalities. We aimed to explore policymakers’ experiences with integrating behavioral insights, and identify their needs for 1) the production of policy-relevant behavioral knowledge and 2) its translation into equitable public health policies. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 18 Dutch policymakers across three policy domains characterized by socioeconomic health inequalities: Covid-19 testing, HPV vaccination, and healthy food consumption. Thematic analysis was performed. Participants perceived that behavioral insights were insufficiently integrated into equitable health policies. From 38 unique needs, five main overarching needs were identified: more context-sensitive, practice-relevant behavioral knowledge; more actionable behavioral insights and advices; better aligning behavioral insights and expertise with the flexible realities of policymaking; stronger collaboration while preserving distinct roles; and more guidance to challenge assumptions and build on lived experience. The findings suggest that improving the integration of behavioral insights into equitable health policies requires simultaneous investments in producing relevant knowledge and creating the conditions for its meaningful exchange, interpretation and application. Policymakers and behavioral scientists should broaden their views by adopting each other’s disciplinary perspectives as well as a citizen lens.</p>