Assessment of Stages and Processes of Change, Eating Self-Efficacy and Decisional Balance for Weight Loss in Obese Women Attending Nutrition Clinics

Abstract

Background: The transtheoretical model is an effective theory in health promotion. In order to maximize success, this theory has been introduced into different weight loss interventions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the stages and processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance for weight loss among obese women attending nutrition clinics as an attempt to direct nutrition interventions. Methods: In this descriptive study, ninety volunteered apparently healthy obese women aged 18 - 50 years with body mass index of 30 - 40 kg/m2 attending a nutrition clinic in Ardabil city were recruited. The subjects completed the translated and validated versions of University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, processes of change, weight efficacy lifestyle, and Decisional Balance scales as the transtheoretical model components before any intervention. The score on each subscale was calculated by averaging the scores obtained by all participants within each subscale. T-test was used to compare the mean total score of each scale with the mean score of its subscales. Results: The results showed that 46.7% of participants were in the advanced stages of weight loss. The mean score of behavioral processes was significantly lower than that of cognitive processes (2.33 ± 0.51 vs. 3.02 ± 0.45, P < 0.001). The minimum and maximum scores of confidence to resist the desire to eat were observed in availability and physical discomfort subscales (3.62 ± 1.83 and 4.54 ± 1.71, respectively). Nearly half of the subjects had lower scores than the mean total score in decisional balance. Conclusions: It seems that the assessment of stages and tailoring of interventions based on readiness to change are essential among obese women attending nutrition clinics. The strengthening behavioral processes, eating self-efficacy, and decisional balance for weight loss must also be considered.