Effectiveness of a Community-Based Physical Activity and Nutrition Behavior Intervention on Features of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its subclinical diseases are now public health problems in Vietnam. This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of a physical activity and nutrition program for reducing MetS proportion and its components among adults with MetS in Hanam province, Vietnam. METHODS: A total of 417 volunteers aged 50-65 years with MetS were recruited from 10 communes. The communes were randomly allocated to an intervention group (five communes, n = 214) and a control group (five communes, n = 203). The participants in the intervention group received a nutrition and physical activity program for 6 months, whereas participants in the control group received standard diet and physical activity advice on only one occasion. Anthropometry, lipid profiles, glycemic status, and blood pressure were measured at baseline and at 6 months to evaluate program effectiveness. RESULTS: In total, 175 intervention (81.8%) and 162 control (79.8%) participants completed the post-program evaluation. After controlling for the effects of clustering and confounding factors, the intervention group showed significant improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+0.42 mM, P < 0.001), waist circumference (-1.63 cm, P < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (-0.024, P < 0.001), weight (-1.44 kg, P < 0.001), and body mass index (-0.59 kg/m2, P < 0.001) when compared with the control group. A reduction in the MetS proportion was found in both intervention and control groups (P < 0.001), decreasing to 56.0% and 75.9%, respectively, but the post-program proportion was significantly lower among the intervention participants (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean number of MetS components exhibited by individuals decreased significantly in the intervention group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The community-based physical activity and nutrition program reduced MetS proportion, with significant improvements in several metabolic and anthropometric parameters for Vietnamese adults with MetS.

Physical activity and nutrition program for adults with metabolic syndrome: Process evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: The Vietnam Physical Activity and Nutrition (VPAN) program aimed to improve physical activity and nutrition for adults aged 50-65 years with Metabolic Syndrome in Vietnam. The VPAN program consisted of a range of resources and strategies, including an information booklet, resistance band, face-to-face education sessions, and walking groups. This process evaluation assessed the participation, fidelity, satisfaction, and reasons for completing and not-completing the VPAN. METHODS: Data were collected by mixed-methods from a sample of 214 intervention participants. Quantitative data were collected via surveys (n=163); qualitative data via face-to-face exit interviews with intervention program completers (n=10) and non-completers (n=10), and brief post education session discussions. RESULTS: Most participants (87%-96%) reported the program resources and strategies useful, assisting them to increase their physical activity level and improving their diet. The education sessions were the most preferred strategy (97%) with high attendance (>78% of participants). The main reasons for withdrawal were work commitments and being too busy. CONCLUSION: The evaluation indicated that the program reached and engaged the majority of participants throughout the six-month intervention. The combination of printed resources and face-to-face intervention components was a suitable approach to support lifestyle behavioural change in the Vietnamese population.

Community-based physical activity and nutrition programme for adults with metabolic syndrome in Vietnam: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. In Vietnam, more than one-quarter of its population aged 50-65 have MetS. This cluster-randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to increase levels of physical activity and improve dietary behaviours among Vietnamese adults aged 50-65 years with MetS. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: This 6-month community-based intervention includes a range of strategies to improve physical activity and nutrition for adults with MetS in Hanam, a province located in northern Vietnam. 600 participants will be recruited from 6 communes with 100 participants per commune. The 6 selected communes will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group (m=3; n=300) or a control group (m=3; n=300). The intervention comprises booklets, education sessions, resistance bands and attending local walking groups that provide information and encourage participants to improve their physical activity and healthy eating behaviours during the 6-month period. The control group participants will receive standard and 1-time advice. Social cognitive theory is the theoretical concept underpinning this study. Measurements will be taken at baseline and postintervention to evaluate programme effectiveness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The research protocol was approved by the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HR139/2014). The results of the study will be disseminated through publications, reports and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12614000811606.