Effect of Nutrition Education on Healthy Eating Choice (Low-fat), Carbohydrate Counting and Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetic Adults Using Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

Nutritional behavior change in diabetics is critical and entails effective education. Thus the current research aims to do an educational intervention to promote healthy food options (low-fat), carbohydrate counting and physical activity in type 2 diabetic adults (25 to 59 years of age) using Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). To do so, an elicitation study will be performed in 30 patients representing the main sample. Using face-to-face interview patients will mention advantages and disadvantages of performing the behavior, important groups or people who would approve or disapprove of and any conditions and factors that may prevent or help doing the behavior. Following content analysis regarding low-fat food options, carbohydrate counting and physical activity, the main questionnaire (valid and reliable) will be designed. Participants (n=142) will be randomly (using permutted block randomization) assigned into two equal (n=71) control and intervention groups all of which are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for at least past 2 years and have no debilitating complications to prevent them from participating in the study. Both groups will complete the main questionnaire and blood sample will be taken to determine triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol at baseline. After multiple regression analysis and structural equation analysis and recognizing changeable beliefs, focus group discussion (6 two-hour sessions including 7 to 12 patients in each) will be performed in the intervention which begins with a brief explanation by the trainer to make patients involved, while control won’t get any intervention, except nutritional counseling, which both groups routinely get. At the end (about one and half months) question completeness and blood sampling will be done.

Vice-chancellor for research- Tehran University of Medical Sciences