Applying the Social Cognitive Theory to Design a Health Education Program on Weight-Loss Behaviors Among Police...

Being overweight/having obesity is a prevalent condition not only among the general population but also among individuals with special occupations such as police officers, where fitness is often a necessity. The present study's aim was to assess how much a psychoeducational intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) would be helpful for encouraging weight loss behaviors among police officers.

In a randomized control trial, 102 police officers who were overweight or had obesity voluntarily registered for a weight loss program and were assigned to either an intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group took part in a health education program comprising six face-to-face 60-80 minute sessions over a 6-week period that was designed based on SCT principles. The control group participated in routine worksite health promotion programs comprising weekly one-hour sessions on lifestyle-related topics and optional individual nutrition consultations. At baseline and 3 months after the intervention, both groups were examined in terms of SCT's measures and weight control strategies as the primary outcomes, as well as para-clinical variables such as blood lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) as secondary outcomes. Analysis of covariance was used to assess changes from baseline to follow-up between groups.

All SCT measures indicated significant improvements among those in the intervention group compared with the control group. Outcome expectancy (F = 445; p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (F = 366; p < 0.001) were the two most influential factors. Although both intervention and control groups reported significant changes in weight control behaviors, all behavioral scores in the intervention group were considerably greater than those in the controls. The dietary choice component showed the greatest change from baseline to follow-up (F = 267; p < 0.001). All indices of blood lipid profile also indicated significant improvements in the intervention group compared with the control group. Weight decreased significantly more from baseline to follow-up among those in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (F = 69.0, p < 0.001). BMI was reduced in the intervention group, while in the control group showed a slight increase (mean difference: -0.4 [CI: -0.4 to -0.3] versus 0.1 [CI: 0.0 to 0.1]).

An education program based on SCT may contribute to weight loss among police officers who are overweight/have obesity. Assessment of the program's effects in other settings and occupational populations is warranted.