Effect of lifestyle modification education based on health belief model in overweight/obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A parallel randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common emerging liver disease worldwide. Lifestyle modification is the most emphasized method on management of this disease. Methods: In order to conduct this parallel, randomized controlled trial study, eighty-two NAFLD patients recruited and allocated to intervention group or the control. Results: After two months of intervention, significant improvements in all health belief model (HBM) variables and knowledge were seen within the intervention group (p < 0.001) and also the improvements were significantly superior between two groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, prominent significant reduction for liver enzyme was observed in the intervention group compared to the controls. Similarly, ultra-sonographic findings revealed a significant improvement in the intervention group versus control. Conclusions: This HBM-based lifestyle modification education could be effective not only in the HBM domains but also in the improvement of NAFLD parameters. Therefore, it could be useful to use this educational program for NAFLD patients in order to impact on their beliefs and body together. Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2014101811763N17). (c) 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.