The study of health behaviours has been highlighted as a multifaceted endeavour that requires understanding and exploring the various determinants impacting individuals’ health behaviour. Research indicates that health behaviours such as physical activity, diet choice, vaccination and smoking are influenced by a complex interplay of determinants. The socio-ecological framework (SEF) provides a comprehensive lens to understand and explore these determinants by offering a robust theoretical foundation for understanding the multilevel determinants of health behaviours. Therefore, interventions targeted at specific health behaviours are designed to address the influences of individual, interpersonal, community, organisational, information and policy levels. The SEF is especially useful in addressing the culturally sensitive approaches to improving individuals’ health outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.