Effect of an intervention grounded in the health action process approach on obesity surgery outcomes among bariatric surgery patients after one year: A randomized-controlled trial protocol

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that a significant number of individuals experience weight regain following bariatric surgery. To sustain long-term weight loss outcomes, it is imperative to assist patients in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Implementing cognitive interventions aimed at enhancing self-management behaviors is crucial in supporting patients' efforts to sustain weight loss post-surgery. Materials and methods: This paper outlines a protocol for a randomized controlled trial with two arms. The sample will consist of 100 patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and are part of the Tehran Obesity Treatment Study. The participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will receive an educational intervention based on the health action process approach for a duration of eight weeks. The inclusion criteria for this study are patients who have undergone bariatric surgery at least one year prior to the study. All primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at two different time points: baseline and four months after the completion of the intervention, for each participant. Conclusion: The results of this study offer valuable insights into the advantages of theory-based educational interventions in improving outcomes of bariatric surgery. These findings present an opportunity for health planners, practitioners, nurses specializing in bariatric surgery care, policy makers, and patients to utilize an effective intervention in the field.