The effect of internet-based intervention on lifestyle and healthy nutrition habits of women in North of Iran: a field-based trial study

Background: A healthy lifestyle based on healthy eating habits and appropriate physical activity during different periods of life, bring healthy old age to women through preventing overweight or maintaining a healthy weight Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the effect of Internet-based intervention on the lifestyle and healthy eating habits of women in northern Iran. Materials & Methods: The present field-trial study was conducted on ۲۶۸ women who were members of Population of Mental Health Assistants from November ۲۰۱۴ to May ۲۰۱۵.  The educational intervention was carried out through a website containing information on healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and cooking methods of various healthy foods. The participants of the intervention group were also received their special diet. All participants were evaluated after ۳ and ۶ months in terms of changes in weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and nutritional habits. Their lifestyle were measured using the standard questionnaire of health-promoting lifestyle profile-II (HPLP-II). Data was analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: The average age (standard deviation (SD)) of the intervention and comparison group was ۳۸.۷ (۱۰.۸) and ۳۶.۹ (۱۰.۸) years, respectively. After six months, the average BMI of the intervention group decreased from ۲۷.۴ (SD=۵.۳) to ۲۶.۳ (SD=۵.۷) kg/m۲ (P<۰.۰۰۱). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure of both groups showed a significant decrease (P<۰.۰۰۱). Nutrition (F۱, ۲۶۶=۶۲.۰۹, P=۰.۰۰۱, η۲=۰.۱۹) followed by health responsibility (F۱, ۲۵۵=۳۰.۴, P= ۰.۰۰۱, η۲= ۰.۱۱) were the most important dimensions of HPLP-II affected by intervention. Conclusion: The Internet-based educational intervention program, using a bottom-up approach, has a favorable effect on the improvement of the lifestyle and weight loss of the participants. The findings of the present study showed the possibility of using the new e-health technology in order to promote healthy lifestyle and eating habits in women.  

Keywords:

Lifestyle , Internet , empowerment , BMI , Nutritional Status