Abstract

This study was carried out to compare groups with individual counseling to examine essential outcomes in young adults in a community pharmacy. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 2011 to February 2012. A total of 112 overweight and obese participants were randomly assigned to receive group counseling (n=52) or individual counseling (n=56). Clinical outcomes included weight, waist circumference and body mass index. Eating behaviors were evaluated by a theory of planned behavior questionnaire. Both groups showed significant clinical outcomes. The theory of planned behavior average sum score significantly increased from baseline in the health dieting behavior and subjective norm in group counseling. In the individual group (P<0.05), the score increased significantly from baseline only for health dieting behavior (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis, factors associated with eating behaviors were: group counseling (OR=4.03, 95% CI: 1.71-9.51), female (healthy dieting behavior: OR=0.37, 95% CI: normative beliefs: 0.15-0.93) and person who attempted to control weight (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.03-0.91). Group counseling was not inferior to individual counseling and the group counseling should be used as first line mode for weight control management in young adults.