The Effects of Extended Parallel Process Model on Obese Soldiers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Obesity Management: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: There are standard guidelines for obesity management, although only few obese people can adhere to these guidelines. This study aimed to assess the effects of Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) on obese soldiers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) about obesity management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Yazd, Iran (2016). Two military centers were chosen through simple random sampling. They were randomly assigned to the experimental or the control group. Then, individuals were randomly selected and either received or did not receive high-risk and efficacy information about obesity. The KAPs of soldiers were measured by researcher made questionnaires before, immediately after, and 1 month after training. RESULTS: Independent t test showed significant differences in perceived severity susceptibility response efficacy self-efficacy knowledge and practices between two groups immediately after training (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that obesity management training according to EPPM is effective to the improvement of soldiers' KAP during military services.