The effectiveness of training program based on protective motivation theory on improving nutritional behaviors and...

Diabetes is considered as one of the most common metabolic disorders and one of the biggest worldwide health problems; first-line treatment is suggested as a changing diet and physical activity by experts. The aim of the present study was the determination of the effectiveness of a training program based on a protective motivation theory on improving nutritional behaviors and physical activity in type 2 military diabetic patients.

In this controlled intervention study, 76 military diabetic individuals (2 groups with 38 individuals in each) were participated. Data gathering instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on structures of conservation motivation theory. The data were entered into SPSS19 software and analyzed by using paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Findings showed that except in perceived sensitivity in the test and control groups, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of all the components of the Protective Motivation Theory. In the test group, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of all constructs of the Protective Motivation Theory before and after the educational intervention, while in the control group, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of fear, effectiveness of response, severity, and perceived sensitivity structures before and after educational intervention. Glycated hemoglobin (Hb-A1c) and weight of the intervention group were significantly decreased after the intervention. In addition, adherence to diet and physical activity were increased.

The results of this study showed that conservation motivation theory can be used as a framework in designing educational programs to improve the diet and physical activity among diabetics.