Research to practice: International dissemination of evidence-based behavioral medicine

Background: In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the global prevalence of chronic conditions. Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disorders, and their common behavioral risk factors are escalating rapidly in developing countries, many of which are still struggling with infectious diseases and poor health system infrastructures. Purpose: This article examines the roles that behavioral medicine can play to improve global health. Methods: The World Health Organization's Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Frame-work provides a model for identifying areas for behavioral medicine influence, including patient-provider interactions, organization of health care, community mobilization, and national policy and financing. Results: Behavioral medicine has a large role to play in international health. Examples from around the world are provided. Conclusions: Because behavior is the product of multilevel, multifactoral determinants, there are many areas of influence for behavioral medicine specialists who want to contribute to global health. By focusing attention internationally, with special attention toward the needs of developing countries, the field of behavioral medicine will be not only responding to its global responsibilities but also repositioning itself to be increasingly relevant for the 21st century.