Introduction
Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart failure, necessitating effective management strategies to improve patient outcomes. This essay uses Dorothy Johnson’s Behavior System Model as the theoretical framework to explore the potential of behavioral interventions, such as diet and exercise, in managing obesity-related heart failure. This model explains how the individual and the environment affect health behavior and has been used to guide behavior change interventions related to obesity and cardiovascular dysfunction.
Article Critique
Chang et al. (2017) explored using behavioral economics to enhance heart failure care and outcomes. Strengths include the innovative approach to patient behavior and evidence-based principles. Weaknesses involve an insufficient focus on specific interventions and limited generalizability. Powell-Wiley et al. (2021) reviewed the obesity-cardiovascular disease relationship and management strategies. Strengths include a systematic evidence review, a multidisciplinary approach, and a focus on lifestyle interventions. A weakness is a limited discussion of applying theoretical frameworks, such as Johnson’s Behavior System Model, to heart failure management.
Statistical Analysis and Significance
Chang et al. (2017) examined randomized clinical trials assessing various interventions for health outcomes. The study observed mean hemoglobin A1c level changes of -0.29% and +0.29% in reciprocal peer support and nurse care management groups, respectively. The analysis found a more significant A1c level reduction in the peer-mentorship group compared to the financial incentive group. It is noted that only the loss incentive significantly increased physical activity goal achievement.
Powell-Wiley et al. (2021) discussed electrocardiographic changes in individuals with obesity, underlining obesity’s impact on cardiovascular health. Clinically significant changes include increased heart rate, QRS interval, QTc interval, and false-positive criteria for inferior myocardial infarction. Less significant changes involve increased PR interval, QRS voltage, QT dispersion, late potentials, ST-T abnormalities, ST-segment depression, left axis deviation, T wave flattening, and left atrial abnormalities. These findings highlight the importance of effective obesity management strategies.
Application of Theory
Dorothy Johnson’s Behavior System Model can be feasibly applied to the current practicum setting’s population or problem of interest. The model emphasizes the interaction between the individual and the environment in determining health behavior, which aligns with the behavioral interventions of diet and exercise explored in Powell-Wiley et al. (2021). By incorporating Johnson’s theoretical framework into obesity-related heart failure management, nursing professionals can develop targeted interventions considering the complex interplay of individual and environmental factors influencing patient behavior.
References
Chang, L. L., DeVore, A. D., Granger, B. B., Eapen, Z. J., Ariely, D., & Hernandez, A. F. (2017). Leveraging behavioral economics to improve heart failure care and outcomes. Circulation, 136(8), 765–772. Web.
Powell-Wiley, T. M., Poirier, P., Burke, L. E., Després, J., Gordon-Larsen, P., Lavie, C. J., Lear, S. A., Ndumele, C. E., Neeland, I. J., Sanders, P., & St-Onge, M. (2021). Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American heart association. Circulation, 143(21). Web.