the effect of training based on developed parallel process model on weight of women with high body mass index: a cluster randomized trial

Background & aim: changing lifestyle before pregnancy is necessary to avoid theconsequences of obesity in pregnancy. this study was performed to investigate theeffect of training based on extended parallel process model (eppm) on the weightof women with high body mass index before pregnancy.methods: in this two-group cluster randomized trial, 60 eligible womenparticipated. experimental and control groups were randomly selected from twocomprehensive healthcare centers in mashhad, iran. data collection tools includeda questionnaire based on the constructs of the extended parallel processmodel and baecke physical activity questionnaire. the experimental groupreceived the national nutrition guidelines based on eppm constructs includingthreat as well as efficacy and the control group received the same content in aroutine way. participants' weight was measured before, two and four weeks afterthe intervention.results: the two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic and obstetriccharacteristics. the mean changes of construct of threat before, two and fourweeks after the intervention in the experimental group compared to the controlincreased by 4.84 and 3.59 times, respectively, which was statistically significant(p<0.05). the mean changes of construct of efficacy before, two and four weeksafter the intervention in the experimental group and also the mean weight loss fourweeks after the intervention was not statistically significant.conclusion: further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this modelfor weight loss and its role in increasing the perceived efficacy of overweightwomen at the pre-pregnancy stage.