The systematic development of a behaviour change intervention for obese adults with additional risk factors

• Main Author: Dombrowski, Stephan U.
• Published: University of Aberdeen 2009
• Subjects: 616.89; Obesity
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.510540

This PhD thesis describes a systematic process of developing an evidence-based and theory coherent behaviour change intervention for obese adults with additional risk factors. A systematic review assessed the effects of behavioural interventions on changes in behaviour, weight, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in randomised controlled trials sampling obese adults with additional risk factors for morbidity. Small-to-modest improvements were detected in all variables with significant heterogeneity within outcomes. Moderator analyses of programme and delivery components on weight and behaviour revealed various intervention components associated with more successful intervention including. These components included self-monitoring, provision of instructions, and relapse prevention to change dietary behaviour and prompting practice for physical activity behaviour change. These components subsequently informed the development and design of an evidence-based and theory coherent behaviour change intervention. Evidence on modes of delivery, behaviour change techniques and theory were integrated into an intervention package. An open pilot study testing and optimising acceptability and feasibility of the content, procedures and materials of the development intervention was conducted. The intervention was delivered to obese participants in a clinic setting, with facilitator and participant feedback collected during and after intervention delivery. The open pilot evidenced the intervention to be feasible for delivery and highly acceptable to a sample of at-risk participants in great need of behavioural change. The work undertaken as part of this thesis provides a practical example how to systematically develop an evidence-based and theory coherent behaviour change intervention.