Effects of a 7-Week Empowerment Program on Health Behaviors and Body Mass Index in Mueang Yala District

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are major public health issues leading to Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Enhancing health behavior modification is urgently needed for future chronic disease prevention.

Objective: To study the effects of a 7-week empowerment program on health behavior modification among overweight populations in Mueang Yala District, Yala Province.

Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a two-group design. Seventy participants were purposively recruited and randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n = 35), which received the empowerment program, or a control group (n = 35), which received routine care. Research instruments included the empowerment program, assessments of knowledge and health behaviors, 3E2S records, and physical measurements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests.

Result: Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher mean scores for knowledge and health behaviors compared to pre-intervention (p < .01) and the control group (p < .05). Regarding physical outcomes, the experimental group achieved a significant reduction in weight and waist circumference compared to pre-intervention and the control group (p < .01), with an average weight loss of 1.82 kg and a 5.5 cm reduction in waist circumference.

Conclusion: The 7-week empowerment program effectively improved health behaviors and promoted weight loss and waist reduction. It should be integrated into Dutchie Prevention and Control (DPAC) clinics and health promotion services for sustainable obesity management.