Effectiveness of Self-Management Training Based on Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Quality of Life in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and purpose: Improving quality of life is one of the goals of care that helps in preventing chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of self-management training based on group cognitive-behavioral therapy on quality of life in adults with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical was carried out in 80 adults with metabolic syndrome in 2019. They were divided into intervention group and control group (n=40 per group) using permutation block method. The WHOQOL-BREF was administered before and three months after the intervention. Self-management trainings based on cognitive-behavioral therapy were performed twice a week in intervention group during 8 sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group received only routine care. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test, and analysis of covariance. Results: The mean scores for quality of life and also dimensions of physical health, mental health, and social relations in intervention group were 42.14±5.18, 45.53±9.32, 40.38±7.44 and 43.32±6.43, respectively before the intervention that increased significantly to 56.38±7.23, 71.22±13.35, 65.29±8.56 and 48.76±6.95 after the intervention (P<0.001). But, no significant difference was observed in environmental health dimension before and after the intervention (P= 0.345). Findings showed no significant differences in pretest and posttest scores for quality of life and its dimensions in the control group (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Self-management training based on cognitive-behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life in adults with metabolic syndrome.   (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20200507047343N1)