Background Since its proposal in 2015, MTM has received a lot of attention in health behavior change research both at home and abroad, but the model is still in the exploratory stage. Furthermore, the majority of current health promotion research focuses on a particular health habit, using a rather simple theoretical model. Learning from the evolution of MTM, the study of various behavioral changes is an area of health promotion research that requires careful cultivation. The purpose of this review is to discuss the application of MTM theory in health behavior change. By synthesizing relevant literature, we can improve the understanding of multi-theory model of health behavior change, make up for the shortcomings of existing studies, and provide suggestions for future studies. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines to report findings. Databases such as PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Liberary, Web of Science, Ovid, CNKI, Wanfang, Vip and Sinomed. In addition to the traditional scoping review, we also evaluated the quality of the included literature. Results MTM is summarized by literature review, and the application status of MTM is reviewed. A total of 68 studies were included in this study, including 50 quantitative investigations, 12 quantitative interventions and 6 qualitative studies. Conclusion The field of application for MTM is extensive, and it demonstrates a relatively high level of prediction accuracy and intervention effectiveness. Consequently, it can be effectively utilized to advance health behavior promotion and health education initiatives.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript