Embedded Files
STEP-UP study
STEP-UP study
A theory-informed behavioral intervention designed to support engagement with healthy lifestyle behaviors following metabolic bariatric surgery. The project focuses on behavioral adherence, patient engagement, and functional recovery in the post-surgical period, among at risk populations.
Conducted at Hadassah–Ein Kerem Medical Center in collaboration with the bariatric surgery clinic
STEP-UP: Supporting Theory-Based Engagement To Promote Uptake Of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery
STEP-UP is a mixed-methods, multi-phase research project aimed at developing a culturally tailored behavioral lifestyle support intervention as an adjunct to metabolic bariatric surgery for culturally distinct and at-risk populations who may encounter sociocultural and structural circumstances influencing postoperative lifestyle modification. The project focuses on supporting sustained engagement with dietary and physical activity behaviors during the postoperative period, with the objective of improving behavioral adherence, patient engagement, and long-term health outcomes following surgery.
The project specifically focuses on women from the Arab society in Israel, a population characterized with high rates of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities who may face sociocultural and structural barriers that influence postoperative lifestyle modification and long-term health outcomes.
STEP-UP is guided by established behavior change frameworks, including the COM-B model and the Behavior Change Wheel, and follows the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) framework for systematic intervention development. The phased design ensures that the intervention is grounded in patients’ lived experiences and adapted to the cultural and clinical context in which it will be implemented.
The project includes three sequential phases: (1) formative qualitative research aimed at identifying behavioral determinants, contextual barriers, and support needs following MBS; (2) co-design of a theory-informed, culturally tailored behavioral intervention developed in collaboration with patients and healthcare professionals; and (3) pilot testing to assess feasibility and preliminary effects on adherence to post-surgical dietary and physical activity recommendations, as well as post-surgical health outcomes.
This project has the potential to establish a scalable and culturally sensitive model for postoperative behavioral support that can be integrated into routine bariatric care and inform future intervention development for at-risk populations.
Setting
Bariatric Surgery Unit, Hadassah–Ein Kerem Medical Center
Research Team and students
Haya Subhi
Donia Kaloti
Dr. Rana Hijazi
Supervision
Dr. Tair Ben-Porat
Prof. Ram Elazary
Dr. Mahmud Abu Ghazala
Status
Running at Phase 1 - qualitative interviews ongoing
Useful links
Page updated
Report abuse