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Nutrition and Lifestyle Behavior Peer support Program for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Feasibility Trial
Brief about:
Journal Article (2020)
Written by:
Other researchers:
A study of a community-led intervention to improve lifestyle habits of individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome.
This study was part of a feasibility trial for a community health support program for adults with metabolic syndrome.
Leaders from the community with metabolic syndrome were trained to deliver the intervention. The training included leadership and interpersonal skills, and the content itself. Some of the sessions were included in the briefing given, for example educating about physical activity, but the leaders were given responsibility to carry these out. The group went on to organise Zumba sessions and other activities that were not part of the core program.
The participants consisted of a small group (48) study of middle ages people at risk of metabolic syndrome. They were assessed before the trial and weekly in the group in a range of measurements relating to metabolic syndrome.
Certain aspects of the participants diet and lifestyle changed over the course of the program as a result of the information given: eating more slowly, less binge eating, less late eating, more breakfasts, less smoking, better sleep.
The community-led approach created a positive environment for participation. Malaysian community culture positively contributed to this, with members particularly enjoying the teamwork aspects.
Key findings
- Certain aspects of the participants diet and lifestyle changed over the course of the program as a result of the information given: eating more slowly, less binge eating, less late eating, more breakfasts, less smoking, better sleep.
Proposed action
- The success of community interventions depends on the relationship between the person conducting the program and the participants
Shared life experiences and relatability is better than a patient/doctor relationship.
- Communities with limited healthcare facilities should consider this type of intervention, as little technology needed
- Community clinics and centres should promote community health interventions, especially for pre-conditions and lifestyle/preventative health care
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Ben Levett for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ben Levett, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Nutrition and Lifestyle Behavior Peer support Program for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Feasibility Trial
Cite this brief: Ramadas, Amutha. 'Nutrition and Lifestyle Behavior Peer support Program for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Feasibility Trial'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/nutrition-and-lifestyle-behavior-peer-support-program-for-adults-with-metabolic-syndrome-outcomes-and-lessons-learned-from-a-feasibility-trial/
Brief created by: Dr Amutha Ramadas | Year brief made:
Original research:
- M. D. A. M., Ramadas, A., & K. F. Q., ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle Behavior Peer support Program for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Feasibility Trial’ 12 https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041091. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230344/
Research brief:
A study of a community-led intervention to improve lifestyle habits of individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome.
This study was part of a feasibility trial for a community health support program for adults with metabolic syndrome.
Leaders from the community with metabolic syndrome were trained to deliver the intervention. The training included leadership and interpersonal skills, and the content itself. Some of the sessions were included in the briefing given, for example educating about physical activity, but the leaders were given responsibility to carry these out. The group went on to organise Zumba sessions and other activities that were not part of the core program.
The participants consisted of a small group (48) study of middle ages people at risk of metabolic syndrome. They were assessed before the trial and weekly in the group in a range of measurements relating to metabolic syndrome.
Certain aspects of the participants diet and lifestyle changed over the course of the program as a result of the information given: eating more slowly, less binge eating, less late eating, more breakfasts, less smoking, better sleep.
The community-led approach created a positive environment for participation. Malaysian community culture positively contributed to this, with members particularly enjoying the teamwork aspects.
Findings:
Certain aspects of the participants diet and lifestyle changed over the course of the program as a result of the information given: eating more slowly, less binge eating, less late eating, more breakfasts, less smoking, better sleep.
Advice:
The success of community interventions depends on the relationship between the person conducting the program and the participants
- Shared life experiences and relatability is better than a patient/doctor relationship.
Communities with limited healthcare facilities should consider this type of intervention, as little technology needed
Community clinics and centres should promote community health interventions, especially for pre-conditions and lifestyle/preventative health care