Influence of a multidisciplinary intervention program using the Behavior Change Wheel model on the level of physical activity, sedentary behavior and lifestyle of employees at the University of São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes physical inactivity as one of the main risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases, estimating around 5 million deaths per year worldwide. Strategies that can change behavior towards adopting a healthy lifestyle are vital. Interventions that focus on improving behavior are effective in improving health status, especially when focused on increasing physical activity (PA) levels and reducing sedentary behavior (SB). Regular PA practice is a protective factor against several diseases, having an important impact on reducing morbidity and mortality. However, it is a fact that the population's low adherence to following PA recommendations and the high level of CS emphasizes the need to develop more effective behavior change strategies. In this sense, the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) model stands out, which is based on the COM-B framework (ability, opportunity, motivation). This model has demonstrated effectiveness in several studies with behavioral interventions focused on increasing the level of PA and reducing CS. Objectives: To investigate the effect of a BCW-based behavioral change program on participants' levels of PA, SB, health status and lifestyle. Methodology: The study will be developed through a pragmatic, comparative trial, with two randomized groups: Control - CG (PA recommendations) and Behavioral Intervention - GIC (PA recommendations and the application of the BCW methodology) using the integrative program and multidisciplinary (doctor, physical educators, nutritionists) EuMelhor from EEFE-USP. Results: The behavioral intervention based on BCW is expected to increase the level of PA, reduce CS, improve the health status and lifestyle of the participants compared to the control group. Conclusions: In the future.