Motivating persons at risk for diabetes to improve physical activity and healthy eating: A pilot motivational interview intervention

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a motivational interview (MI) intervention to promote physical activity and healthy eating of adults at risk for diabetes. Methods: A convenience sample of 14 adults at risk for diabetes was recruited from the community by fliers and key informants. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was the conceptual framework for the study. Participants received the Small Steps. Big Rewards (CDC, 2004) packet and pedometers and were offered a diabetes prevention educational session prior to 7 MI sessions every 2 weeks for 2 months and once a month during the 3rd, 4th, and 6th months. Weight, waist circumference, pedometer steps, self-reported physical activity and fruits and vegetable consumption, and TPB variables were measured every 2 months from baseline to 6 months. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine change in the measured variables. Qualitative data were collected to assess the usefulness of the intervention and ways to improve it. Results: Of the 11 (78.6%) participants who completed the intervention at 6 months, 7 were African Americans (5 men) and 4 were White women. ANOVAs revealed significant weight loss, waist circumference reduction, increased daily step count, and increased fruit servings per day at 4 months. Change in behavioral, normative, and control beliefs will also be reported. Participants indicated the intervention was helpful, the pedometer motivating for encouraging walking, but physical activity and diet behaviors became more difficult after the first 2 months when MI sessions were monthly instead of biweekly. Conclusions: The MI intervention is feasible for both African American and White adults and may be useful to motivate adults at risk for diabetes to improve their physical activity and diet. However, we may want to consider a longer period than 2 months of biweekly sessions.