Barriers and Facilitators to Behavioural Interventions Implementation for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in the East Asia and Pacific Region: A Systematic Review

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder with serious health consequences, often requiring sustained lifestyle changes. Behavioural interventions are essential in managing T2D. However, factors influencing the successful implementation of these interventions in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region remain underexplored. This systematic review aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing behavioural interventions for adults with T2D in this region. We searched five databases (CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase and MEDLINE) using keywords related to “behavioural intervention”, “type 2 diabetes” and each country of interest. We included studies without restrictions on design, language or publication year. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted and assessed articles using the Covidence tool. We mapped data using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and synthesised narratively. Seventy‐one studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings rarely function exclusively as barriers or facilitators; instead, they are highly context‐dependent. Individual factors were the most common barrier to implementing behavioural interventions, while facilitators were largely embedded within the innovation domain. Six themes of barriers were human existence, operational inefficiencies and complexities, resource and logistical constraints, financial limitations and costs, time management challenges and contextual and policy‐related restrictions. Four key facilitator themes included resource integration, comprehensive and well‐designed interventions, partnership and inclusive engagement and user‐centred and culturally responsive approaches. This review highlights key factors affecting the implementation of behavioural interventions for adults with T2D in the EAP region. It underscores the importance of addressing human factor challenges when designing user‐centred, collaborative and contextually relevant interventions. Tailored strategies are needed to enhance implementation and improve outcomes.