Methods: A review of reviews was conducted to examine the international evidence base. An extensive search of
databases was carried out to identify relevant English language systematic reviews published from 2000 to 2011.
Inclusion criteria were that reviews were systematic, the substantive focus was social marketing, and at least a
quarter of included studies related to the prevention and control of communicable diseases. Thematic analysis was
used to identify intervention input and output variables and examine their association with measured change in
behaviour or behaviour determinants. All individual studies included in the systematic reviews that reported on
European interventions for the prevention and control of communicable disease were identified, analysed and
described in more detail to provide insight on European-specific good practice.