The Effect of Motivational Interview-Based Education on Nutrition Exercise Behavior, Sedentary Activity Duration, and Anthropometric Outcomes in Obese Adolescents.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of motivational interview-based training on nutrition exercise behavior, sedentary behavior duration, and anthropometric outcomes in adolescents.

Method: This randomized controlled single-blind experimental study was conducted between January 2021 and March 2023. The research sample consisted of 76 adolescents with obesity (intervention: 38 and control: 38) determined by power analysis. The intervention group received a 6-session motivational interview-based training program. No intervention was applied to the control group. Data were collected using a personal information form, nutrition exercise behavior scale, adolescent sedentary activity questionnaire, and body mass ındex measurement form. Data collection tools were administered to both groups before the intervention, at the last session and at the 3rd month follow-up. In the analysis of the data, chi-square test, independent sample t-test and two-way mixed design ANOVA were used.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the pretest nutrition exercise behavior scale, sedentary activity questionnaire, and body mass index z-scores of the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). After the motivational interview-based education program, nutrition exercise behaviors improved (p: 0.00), sedentary behavior duration and BMI decreased (p: 0.00) in the intervention group. No significant difference was observed in the control group. Nutritional exercise behavior, duration of sedentary behavior and BMI values of the intervention group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (p: 0.00).

Conclusion: It was determined that motivational interviewing applied to adolescents with obesity created a positive change on nutritional exercise behavior, sedentary behavior durations, and anthropometric results. It is recommended that nurses should use motivational interviewing in the management of nutrition and exercise behaviors of adolescents with obesity.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials ID: NCT05268653.