Modifying attitude and intention toward regular physical activity using protection motivation theory: a randomized controlled trial

We were guided by the Protection Motivation Theory to test the motivational interviewing effects on attitude and intention of obese and overweight women to do regular physical activity. In a randomized controlled trial, we selected using convenience sampling 60 overweight and obese women attending health centres. The women were allocated to 2 groups of 30 receiving a standard weight-control programme or motivational interviewing. All constructs of the theory [perceived susceptibility, severity, self-efficacy and response efficacy] and all anthropometric characteristics [except body mass index] were significantly different between the groups at 3 study times. The strongest predictors of intention to do regular physical exercise were perceived response efficacy and attitude at 2- and 6-months follow-up. We showed that targeting motivational interviewing with an emphasis on Protection Motivation Theory constructs appeared to be beneficial for designing and developing appropriate intervention to improve physical activity status among women with overweight and obesity

Effect of motivational interviewing on weight efficacy lifestyle among women with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial

Obesity and overweight have become increasingly a major public health problem across the world. This study aimed at exploring the effects of motivational interviewing on weight efficacy lifestyle among women with obesity and overweight. A single-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 100 overweight and obese women who attended a nutrition clinic. The samples were selected based on the clinical records and assigned into two groups, namely motivational interviewing arm [50 samples] and nutrition education arm [50 samples]. Data were collected using a standard validated questionnaire entitled "weight efficacy lifestyle". The intervention was designed according to five motivation sessions and four nutrition education programs, such that the participants of the nutrition education arm were also provided with the nutrition pamphlets related to weight control. Data were finally analyzed using the SPSS statistical software by performing the independent t-test, chi-square, LSD and repeated measures ANOVA tests. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean age of women was 39.9 +/- 9.1 and 36.3 +/- 8.9 years in the control and motivational interviewing arms, respectively. Compared with the control group, the score of the motivational interviewing group was statistically significant in terms of weight efficacy lifestyle P=0.0001] and all subscales including social pressure [P=0.0001], physical discomfort [P=0.005], food accessibility [P=0.0001], positive and entertainment activities [P=0.0001], as well as negative emotions [P=0.003]. Motivational interviewing appeared to be effective in increasing weight efficacy lifestyle among women with overweight and obesity