The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on the Trans Theoretical Model on the Physical Activity Level of Diabetic Patients in Iran: A Educational Trial Study

AbstractIntroduction: Regular physical activity can reduce mortality in patients with diabetes and prevent its complications. Planning to change behavior in these people in order to improve self-care is very crucial. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention based on the Trans Theoretical Model (TTM) on the physical activity level of diabetic patients. Methods: In this educational trial study, 120 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study in Rasht city. So that they were divided into two groups of intervention (60 people) and control (60 people) using 2 random block methods, and they completed the questionnaires of physical activity and the constructs of the change stages model. Then the educational intervention, including lectures, pamphlets, and educational CDs, was provided to the intervention group, while the control group did not receive any education. After one month of follow-up, the patients completed the questionnaire again. Data were analyzed using SPSS.v20. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding regular physical activity before the educational intervention. However, after the intervention, the mean score of physical activity in the intervention group was higher than that of the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.004). In relation to the distribution of physical activities change stages, a statistically significant difference was observed in the intervention group after the educational intervention (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that educating diabetic patients regarding physical activity based on the TTM was effective in progressing the behavior change stages and increasing the regular physical activity score of the patients. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement educational programs to promote physical activity level based on behavior change theories in order to improve the control and management of type 2 diabetes.