The effect of waist circumference measurement and central obesity type 2 diabetes disease risk education on community-based older adults' perceived susceptibility, percieved benefits, and health behaviors
Date
2017
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Waist circumference (WC) measurement is a reliable indicator of preventable, central obesity-related, disease risk. Despite its predictive value, it is rarely measured in primary care (PC) settings. The absence of WC screening may be problematic for older adults. Older adults have higher rates of central obesity and greater risk for central obesity-related disease, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), as compared to younger adults. Early detection of central obesity along with central obesity T2D disease risk education may prevent, delay, or control T2D in older adults. ☐ It is unknown if WC measurement and central obesity T2D disease risk education affects community-based older adults’ (a) acceptance of and willingness toward WC measurement, (b) perceived susceptibility to T2D and perceived benefits of WC measurement, and (c) health behaviors of physical activity and dietary behaviors. This study examined the effect of WC measurement and central obesity T2D disease risk education in comparison to the effect of the current standard practice of body mass index (BMI) calculation and obesity classification in PC. The Health Belief Model constructs of perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and cues to action were integral to this study design. It was hypothesized that two experimental cues to action, (a) WC measurement and (b) central obesity T2D disease risk education would have a greater effect on acceptance of and willingness toward WC measurement, perceived susceptibility for T2D, perceived benefit of WC measurement, physical activity, and dietary behaviors than two control cues to action (c) BMI and (d) obesity classification in community-based older adults. ☐ This study found that 92% of the participants in this study reported never having WC measurement in the PC setting and 75% reported never having BMI calculation in the PC setting. The lack of BMI experience in both groups may have caused BMI calculation and obesity classification to function as interventional cues to action in both groups rather than control cues to action. The sample was educated and physically active. High baseline findings associated with (a) acceptance of and willingness toward WC measurement, (b) perceived susceptibility, and (c) physical activity, limited measurement of significant change at posttest. There was a significant change in perceived benefits of WC measurement and BMI calculation, as well as willingness to exercise in the experimental group compared to the control group. Changes in dietary behaviors were non-significant. ☐ High baseline acceptance of, and willingness toward, WC measurement in the absence of WC measurement experience, supports acceptability of WC measurement among community-based older adults. Combined use of WC measurement and BMI calculation is recommended in PC settings to influence community-based older adults’ perceived benefits and to motivate change in health behaviors.
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Keywords
Health and environmental sciences, Education, Acceptance, Body mass index, Community-based older adults, Primary care, Type 2 diabetes, Waist circumference