Effectiveness of Self-management Interventions Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Life Style among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome. A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Metabolic syndrome is an asymptomatic disorder and an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modification and self-management of health-promoting behaviors are the most important actions in control of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self-management interventions based on cognitive behavioral group Therapy on life style among adults with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial study. First, 80 adults with metabolic syndrome were selected using the convenience sampling method, and then, using the randomized block chain method, was divided into two groups of 40 people, intervention and control group. Data collection using the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II Questionnaire (HPLP II) was performed in two stages before the intervention and three months after the intervention. Teaching self-management interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy were performed twice a week for eight 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results of covariance analysis showed that self-management intervention based on group cognitive-behavioral therapy has the most significant effect on the dimensions of lifestyle, including exercise and physical activity dimension with an effect size of 0.51, nutrition dimension with 0.49, health responsibility with 0.39 and management stress was 0.32 (P <0.05), but did not significantly affect the two dimensions of self-actualization & spiritual growth (Effect Size= 0.003, p=0.669) and interpersonal relationships (Effect Size= 0.029, p=0.151). Conclusion: Self-management interventions based on group cognitive-behavioral therapy can improve lifestyle and some dimensions in adults with metabolic syndrome. Identifying people with metabolic syndrome and performing effective interventions with the active participation of the individual through self-management based on cognitive-behavioral therapy seems necessary.