The impact of a walking program on self-management, anxiety, stress, depression, quality of life, and seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy: A mixed methods approach using the COM-B behaviour change model.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine if a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model could improve self-management, mental health, quality of life, and seizure frequency in individuals with epilepsy.
Results Summary
The walking program significantly increased self-management, reduced anxiety, stress, and depression, improved quality of life, and decreased seizure frequency in the intervention group, with no significant changes in the control group.
Population
Individuals with epilepsy (n=78, intervention group n=38, control group n=40).
Effective Dosage
Twice weekly for 12 weeks.
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model | increase | self-management levels | individuals with epilepsy | - | a significant increase | #1 |
a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model | decrease | anxiety levels | individuals with epilepsy | - | a significant decrease | #2 |
a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model | decrease | stress levels | individuals with epilepsy | - | a significant decrease | #3 |
a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model | decrease | depression levels | individuals with epilepsy | - | a significant decrease | #4 |
a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model | increase | quality of life | individuals with epilepsy | - | a significant improvement | #5 |
a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model | decrease | seizure frequency | individuals with epilepsy | - | a significant reduction | #6 |
standard treatment | no change | self-management, anxiety, stress, depression, quality of life, and seizure frequency | individuals with epilepsy | no significant changes | No significant changes | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model on self-management, anxiety, stress, depression, quality of life, and seizure frequency in individuals with epilepsy. METHODS: A prospective, parallel-group controlled experimental design and mixed methods were used. A total of 78 individuals with epilepsy were included in the study and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 38) and control (n = 40) groups. The intervention group participated in a weekly, twice-a-week, walking program for 12 weeks. The program was based on the COM-B model, focusing on increasing individuals' capability, opportunity, and motivation levels. The control group received standard treatment. Self-management, anxiety, stress, depression, and quality of life were measured using scales. Seizure frequency was measured using daily logs. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants to understand barriers to walking in individuals with epilepsy. RESULTS: Qualitative data revealed time constraints, lack of motivation, and safety concerns as barriers to walking participation. After a 12-week intervention, a significant increase in self-management levels, a significant decrease in anxiety, stress, and depression levels, a significant improvement in quality of life, and a significant reduction in seizure frequency were observed in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in these variables in the control group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a walking program based on the COM-B Behavior Change Model had a positive impact on self-management, mental health, and quality of life in individuals with epilepsy and may help reduce seizure frequency.