Effects of nutrition therapy program among people with high risk of chronic diseases

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research was aimed to study the effects of nutrition therapy program among people with high risk of chronic diseases. The samples were those with the higher risk of chronic diseases who have lived in Mueang district, Lopburi Province. There were 32 qualified people who received nutrition therapy program among people with high risk of chronic diseases. All samples participated in 3 times of the activity that consisted of access on control eating, review and follow up the goals, and empowerment and affirm the role model. Data were collected by using the questionnaires development of characteristics, health status and control eating behavior. The content validity of questionnaires was improved by 3 experts. Furthermore, Cronbach’s alpha reliability test of access to, control eating behavior questionnaires were .85, respectively. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and Paired Sample t-test were used to compare the differences of the mean score within the experimental group setting signification at 0.05 levels.

The research showed the most of the sample were male, 81.2%, age 32-70 years old, average age 57.5 years, standard deviation 7.569, highest education level at primary school level 50.0%. The research results revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group was significantly higher control eating behavior than before the intervention (p<.05). After the intervention, Body Mass Index, Fasting Plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure of the experimental group were significantly less than before the intervention (p<.05). After the intervention, waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure of the experimental group were not significantly less than before the intervention (p<.79).

The nutrition therapy program among people with high risk of chronic diseases improved control eating behavior. As a result, Body Mass Index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, and systolic blood pressure unchanged. This intervention should be continued and expanded in other target groups.