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THE IMPACT OF A WORKPLACE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM ON BEHAVIORAL CHANGE

Abstract

Gabrielle Clancy, Svetlana Nepocatych, Elizabeth Bailey, Talya Geller. Elon University, Elon, NC.

BACKGROUND: The risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease increases in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is defined as the clustering of various risk factors of metabolic origin including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Behaviors widely practiced in the United States do not support effective control of these risk factors, and different variables such as lack of knowledge and resources inhibit the necessary behavioral change. Previous studies have shown that various educational programs designed to address and support the dietary and lifestyle changes required to control metabolic risk factors are efficacious. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a 16-week nutrition and physical activity education program in changing behaviors that have a negative impact on health outcomes. METHODS: A total of 26 participants were recruited from a local university to participate in a 16-week education program: 8-weeks synchronous in-person program with weekly group and individual sessions; 8-weeks asynchronous program with weekly newsletters and by-weekly individual sessions; 4-weeks with no programming. Group education sessions consist of modules that cover healthy eating, meal planning, physical activity, and stress management, whereas, individual sessions focus on personal goal setting, goal attainment, and quality of life assessment. Assessments were completed before the program and will be repeated at weeks 4, 8, 16, and after 4 weeks of no programming. The Automated Self Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment (ASA24®), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Self-Regulation of Eating Behavior Questionnaire (SREB), Short Form Self Regulation Questionnaire (SSR), and Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEB) will be used to assess dietary and physical activity behavioral change. Results will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to determine the significance of differences between various time points. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that participation in the interactive intervention education program will enable participants to develop long-term behavior changes that will reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

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