Evidence from interventions based on theoretical models for lifestyle modification (physical activity, diet, alcohol and tobacco use) in primary care settings: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of health promotion interventions based on theoretical models of behavioral change to modify the main lifestyle factors (physical activity, diet, alcohol and tobacco) in adults receiving primary health care (PHC).

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from January 2000 to December 2012. Two reviewers independently performed the first screening of titles and abstracts, the methodological quality assessment using the lecturacritica.com tool, and the extraction of necessary data to systematize the available information.

Results: Only few studies met the inclusion criteria (17 studies from 30 articles). Thirteen were randomized controlled trials, three systematic reviews, and one observational study. The transtheoretical model was the most frequent (13 studies), and obtained strong evidence of its effectiveness for dietary interventions in the short-term and for smoking cessation interventions in the long-term as compared to usual PHC practice. Limited evidence was found for smoking cessation interventions based in the social cognitive theory.

Conclusion: There are few studies that explicitly link intervention strategies and theories of behavioral change. A rigorous evaluation of the theoretical principles could help researchers and practitioners to understand how and why interventions succeed or fail.

Keywords: Health promotion; Life style; Primary health care; Systematic review; Theoretical models.