Lifestyle intervention using mobile technology in patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (Based on the health belief model)

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, which is intertwined with various metabolic disorders. Lifestyle modification covers the primary treatment for NAFLD and emphasizes the importance of education to enhance lifestyle. This study seeks to investigate the effect of using the health belief model with electronic training on physical activity and dietary intake of NAFLD patients. Methods The present study constitutes a clinical trial conducted at the Isfahan endocrine and metabolism research center encompassing 80 patients grappling with NAFLD. Random allocation bifurcated these patients into two groups, namely the intervention and control groups The intervention group received eight weeks of e-learning focusing on nutrition and physical activity, all of which were based on the principles of the health belief model. Data were collected through pre- and post-study assessments, encompassing demographic questionnaires, the health belief model structural questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a three-day dietary record. Subsequent data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results After an eight-week educational intervention, the constructs of the health belief model, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and self-efficacy showed a significant increase in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In addition, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in mean carbohydrate intake and liver enzyme levels. Conclusions The findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of e-learning based on the health belief model in making significant improvements in NAFLD patients. This comprehensive approach led to a decrease in liver enzyme levels and carbohydrate consumption, and simultaneously increased patients' perceived Susceptibility, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy. Trial registration IRCT registration number: IRCT20210612051546N1