An evaluation of the Health Action Process Approach human behavioural change model to support the postoperative welfare of cats in Malaysian veterinary practices

Abstract Background Previous research has indicated that the welfare of postoperative cats in Malaysian veterinary practices is often compromised. We adopted the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) theory to understand the promotion of behavioural change in the provision of bedding to postoperative cats. Methods We deployed a video‐based educational intervention for 150 Malaysian veterinarians and developed three surveys. Each survey focused on a different HAPA stage: motivational phase, pre‐action phase and action phase. Results Only 27 (18%) participants completed all three surveys. At the motivational phase, 40.7% ( n = 11) were actors (provided bedding), 44.4% ( n = 12) were intenders (intended to providing) and 14.8% ( n = 4) were non‐intenders (did not provide bedding). In the motivational phase, non‐intenders thought bedding provision was less beneficial than intenders and actors ( F Welch (2, 10) = 9.81, p = 0.004). While in the pre‐action phase, intenders showed less ability compared to actors to recover when the intended behaviour was derailed ( t Welch (16.34) = 2.26, p = 0.04). At the action stage, there were no significant differences between actors and intenders. Limitations HAPA theory was helpful in understanding human behaviour at different stages, but the connection between pre‐action and action phases is less clear, with an application gap in other underlying factors, such as non‐conscious factors (i.e., habit and emotion). Conclusion Action planning, self‐efficacy, empathy and self‐monitoring were the factors involved in maintaining the target behaviour in the pre‐action phase and action phase. Future interventions to improve cat welfare in Malaysian practices should therefore emphasise these factors.