| Autor: |
Hoosen F; Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), FIMS International Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa., Faber M; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa.; Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2530, South Africa., Nel JH; Department of Logistics, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa., Steyn NP; Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa., Senekal M; Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa. |
| Abstrakt: |
Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst educators, this study investigated the feasibility of the 16-week Health4LIFE weight loss intervention for primary school educators living with overweight/obesity in low-income settings in Cape Town, South Africa. The research comprised two sub-studies, a pilot randomised controlled trial testing the intervention (10 intervention, n = 79 and 10 control schools, n = 58), and an investigation of the perceptions of participating educators and principals. Feasibility outcomes included reach, applicability, acceptability, implementation integrity, and a hypothesis-generating signal of effect on lifestyle factors and weight. The intervention consisted of a wellness day, weight loss manual, and text messages. Results indicated acceptable reach, with positive feedback on intervention components from principals and educators. Implementation was largely successful, though three schools dropped out due to scheduling issues. Barriers included interruption of teaching time and busy school schedules. The intervention group ( n = 42) showed favourable shifts in belief patterns, stages of change, and lifestyle behaviours, with a trend towards weight loss. Control group ( n = 43) changes were limited to dietary intake. The triangulation of results supported the intervention's feasibility in terms of primary and secondary outcomes. Recommendations for enhancement include adding in-person follow-up sessions and an app-based element to potentially increase impact on lifestyle indicators and weight loss. |
