What does the diffusion of innovations theory focus on?

The diffusion of innovations theory specifically examines how new ideas, practices, and technologies are communicated and adopted within a social system or community over time. This theory centers on the processes that influence the adoption of innovations, highlighting factors such as the characteristics of the innovation itself, the communication channels used to spread it, the social system's structure, and the individual attributes that may affect adoption rates.

By focusing on how innovations spread, the theory helps identify why certain ideas gain traction while others do not, and it emphasizes the role of early adopters and opinion leaders in the diffusion process. Understanding this concept is crucial for public health initiatives, as it assists in effectively promoting new health practices and interventions by addressing the mechanisms through which individuals and communities accept and implement changes.

The other options relate to different aspects of public health but do not capture the essence of the diffusion of innovations theory, which is fundamentally about the adoption and spread of new ideas within communities.