Behavioral interventions for prevention and treatment are an important part of the fight against drug abuse and related conditions such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. They are also important in many other areas such as smoking cessation, weight management, and cancer. Among the challenges faced by scientists is how to optimize these interventions in order to achieve the greatest public health benefits.

The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST)

Center researchers are developing the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to provide a framework for engineering efficacious and effective behavioral interventions. Conceptually rooted in engineering, MOST emphasizes efficiency and careful management of resources to move intervention science forward systematically. MOST can be used to guide the evaluation of research evidence, develop optimized interventions, and enhance Type I and Type II translation of research.

• Overview of MOST
• Theoretical model and optimization
• Selecting intervention components
• Practical considerations

Factorial Experiments: Why and How They Work

MOST often uses factorial experimental designs to estimate main effects and interactions between factors efficiently. In the pages below, we explain how and why MOST uses factorial designs.

• Introduction to factorial experiments
• Factorial experiment FAQ
• Common misconceptions