Evaluation of the effects of the family-centered empowerment model on the nutrition style and physical activity of patients with asthma

Background: As the most prevalent chronic disease, asthma is associated with restrictions in the diet and physical activity of the patients. Patient empowerment and family support are the methods of choice for adapting to these limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the family-centered empowerment model on the nutrition style and physical activity of asthmatic patients.

Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients with asthma referring to a hospital in Zabol, Iran in 2015. Samples were selected via randomized convenience sampling and divided into two groups of intervention and control. Family-centered empowerment model was implemented in the intervention group in five educational sessions (45 min each) twice a week. Data were collected using a researcher-made nutritional assessment scale and Beck’s physical activity questionnaire during four stages before the intervention, as well as one week, one month and three months after the intervention. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman’s test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: Mean score of nutrition style significantly increased from 44.59±2.43 to 26.74±6.25 in the intervention group after the training sessions (P<0.001). Moreover, a significant increase was observed in the mean score of physical activity after the intervention (24.06±3.27) compared to before the intervention (31.20±3.06) (P<0.001). This difference was significant between the groups, with the exception of a one-month interval after the intervention (P<0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, implementation of the family-centered empowerment model significantly improved the nutrition style and physical activity of asthmatic patients. Therefore, it is recommended that this model be employed by nurses in different hospital wards.