Evaluation of Health Action Process Approach in Explaining Healthy Diet among the Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Over the last two decades, the prevalence of type2 diabetes (T2DM) has more than doubled worldwide. Researches have shown that with changes in lifestyle, especially diet, the incidence of complications of diabetes could be reduced. Understanding the beliefs of diabetic patients can result in more effective interventions to change their lifestyle. This study was performed to evaluate the health action process approach (HAPA) for explaining healthy dietary behavior in diabetics.

The current study was conducted as a descriptive study according to the HAPA. Data were collected by psychometric scales administered to 141 diabetics living in Isfahan city. The studied constructs were intention, outcome expectancies, risk perception, action self-efficacy, action and coping planning, maintenance self-efficacy, and dietary style. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

The results of structural equation modeling revealed that the health action process approach adequately fits with the dietary behaviors in diabetic patients. Action self-efficacy construct was the best predictor of intention. Action planning mediated the effect of intention on action behavior. The results indicated that action planning (β=0.019, p<0.009) and maintenance self-efficacy (β=0.044, p<0.01) were the constructs that significantly predicted behavior.

According to the results, the health action process approach can be used as a framework for interventions promoting dietary behaviors among type 2 diabetics.