A Theoretically Based Behavioral Nutrition Intervention for Elderly Women: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary: Background: Nutritional behavior is one of the main criteria for determining health in the elderly. Health Belief Model (HBM) is most commonly used theory in the interventional programs. This study was aimed to determine efficacy of HBM-based nutritional educational intervention on knowledge, belief and behavior of the elderly women. Methods: The sample of this randomized controlled trial study was 100 elderly women who attended to four health care centers of Urmia, Iran. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire included demographic characteristics and some HBM constructs. The experiment group participated to HBM-based trainings classes twice per week for 12 weeks. The educational strategies were consisted of lecture, focus-group discussion, and video showing. The questionnaire was completed before and after 3 and 6 months intervention. Data were analyzed using two way repeated measure ANOVA at the significant level of α 0.05). However, the aforementioned scores changed significantly between two group after 3 months intervention and follow-up (p < 0.001). Furthermore, intervention group improved significantly on HBM constructs through three times measurements (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study confirms the effectiveness of HBM-based nutritional education on healthy nutritional perception, belief and behavior among elderly women. Keywords: nutritional intervention, elderly woman, Health Belief Mode