The Effect of a Healthy Lifestyle Empowerment Program on Adherence to Health-Promoting Behaviors in Mothers of Children with Type 1 Diabetes: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Mothers caring for children with type 1 diabetes face significant challenges, and inadequate education and support can adversely affect their lifestyle and health behaviors. This study evaluated the impact of a Healthy Lifestyle Empowerment Program (HLEP) on mothers’ adherence to health-promoting behaviors. Objectives: To determine the effect of the HLEP on adherence to health-promoting behaviors among mothers of children with type 1 diabetes in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Tehran in 2024. Sixty-four mothers of children with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group attended four weekly educational sessions focusing on health-promoting behaviors. Data were collected using a validated Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) Questionnaire at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 12 weeks later. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18. Results: In the intervention group, the mean adherence score to health-promoting behaviors decreased immediately after (120.59 ± 16.79) and 12 weeks following the program (122.25 ± 14.93) compared with baseline (128.03 ± 12.48). This reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although the mean scores declined, the HLEP demonstrated a measurable impact on participants’ health-promoting behavior patterns. Integrating such empowerment programs into healthcare services is recommended to strengthen support for caregivers of children with chronic diseases.