The impact of risk information on the intentions to change behaviour
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of feedback concerning risk factors of obesity on patients' intentions to lose weight and change behaviour
IRAS ID
170951
Contact name
Jane Ogden
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research consistently shows that the ways in which information is presented to a patient during a consultation with their doctor can have a major impact upon the patients' beliefs and behaviours. Obesity rates are on the increase and obese patients are most commonly managed in primary care by the General Practitioner (GP). One form of management involves the regulation of risk factors associated with obesity such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels with the use of medication. The present study aims to explore the impact of giving feedback to patients concerning these risk factors on patients' beliefs about their condition and intentions to lose weight and change their diet and exercise behaviours. Patients (n=400) aged between 18-75 years from two GP surgeries in and around Southampton will be presented with one of two vignettes describing an obese patient who has been given feedback from their GP that their risk factors (blood pressure and cholesterol) are EITHER improved or not improved. Participants will then rate their beliefs about the obese person's condition and their intentions to lose weight and to change their diet and exercise behaviours. Participants will also record their age, sex, height and weight in order to calculate BMI and any medication history. It is predicted that providing feedback concerning improved risk factors will change the participants' beliefs about obesity making it seem less severe and more manageable by medication rather than behaviour change, and will lower the participant's intentions to lose weight and change their behaviour. Data will be analysed for all participants and then according to the participant's own BMI.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0537
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion