ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΔΥΤΙΚΗΣ ΑΤΤΙΚΗΣ

The objective of the present study was to investigate how the Transtheoretical Model and Motivational Interviewing can function as interventions for changing dietary behavior in order to introduce alternative proteins into the diet of health professionals.

Specific objectives of the research program:

To investigate the behavior of the study population regarding the introduction of alternative proteins to improve their diet.

To examine the compliance of the study population with the introduction of alternative proteins into their diet during the follow-up period.

To improve the dietary behavior of the study population in relation to their food choices.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change in supporting the modification of health behaviors in the study population.

To evaluate the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in supporting the modification of health behaviors in the study population.

To compare the effectiveness of a brief ten-minute counseling/informative intervention with a behavior modification intervention using the Transtheoretical Model and Motivational Interviewing in the form of MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy), consisting of four semi-structured interview sessions and telephone follow-up in the study population.

To assess the intervention program from the perspective of the study population after the completion of the program.

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start 2021 - completed 2025

Purpose of the Study:
This dissertation aims to investigate how the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be applied as interventions for changing the dietary behavior of health professionals and incorporating alternative proteins into their diet.

Method:
A mixed-method quantitative and qualitative study was conducted with 100 health professionals, divided into a control group and an intervention group. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used, and the data were analyzed using statistical tools (SPSS).

Intervention:
The intervention involved training through the two aforementioned models, aiming to influence attitudes and intentions regarding the consumption of alternative protein sources (plant-based, insect-based, cultured meat, fungi, microalgae).

???? Innovation for the Environment and Health

1. Environment:
The dissertation documents that overconsumption of animal proteins has serious environmental consequences such as:

high greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O),

overexploitation of natural resources (land, water),

loss of biodiversity and deforestation.

The introduction of alternative proteins can lead to:

reduced environmental footprint,

planetary sustainability, and

sustainable agricultural production.

2. Health:
The research highlights the health risks associated with processed meat consumption (e.g., cancers, cardiovascular diseases) and the nutritional and protective roles of alternative proteins, such as:

high biological value proteins,

dietary fiber and healthy fats,

antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Furthermore, health professionals, as role models, can play a crucial role in promoting public health by adopting and advocating for such dietary habits.

✅ In Summary

The dissertation:

integrates interdisciplinary approaches (nutrition, psychology, public health),

applies modern behavior change tools to a specialized population (health professionals),

and proposes a practical and sustainable solution to significant environmental and health challenges.

It represents an innovation, as it does not focus solely on dietary change but also highlights the power of behavioral education as a lever for sustainable development and disease prevention.

University General Hospital "attikon"

Iliana Tsampoula: Registered Nurse, MSc, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of West Attica

Dr. Evridiki Kaba: Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica

Dr. Martha Kelesi: Chair, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica

Dr. Ioanna Papathanasiou: Chair, Department of Nursing, University of Thessaly

University General Hospital "attikon"

Study Results

Sample:

100 health professionals participated (50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group).

The majority were women (72%).

Initial level of knowledge (before the intervention):

Knowledge about alternative proteins:

Control group: 19%

Intervention group: 0%

Knowledge about the nutritional value of alternative proteins:

Control group: 15%

Intervention group: 0%

Animal protein consumption (before the intervention):

91.7% of the intervention group and 76.5% of the control group spent over €150/month on animal-based proteins.

After the intervention:

Increased knowledge and positive attitudes in the intervention group.

Improved intention to consume alternative proteins, especially plant-based and lab-grown options, but not edible insects.

Actual consumption change was limited, but attitude and intention improved significantly.

No significant difference in final animal protein consumption between the two groups.

???? Impact on the Target Audience – Health Professionals

Increased awareness: Health professionals gained a better understanding of the connection between diet, health, and the environment.

Strengthened role as role models: The importance of practicing and promoting healthy eating habits to the wider community was highlighted.

Willingness to change: The application of the TTM and MI models positively influenced participants to progress into the "preparation" and "action" stages of dietary behavior change.

Trust in innovative products: Acceptance of alternative proteins increased, particularly when accompanied by proper information.

???? Overall Conclusions

The intervention was effective in modifying attitudes and knowledge.

Behavioral change requires time, ongoing support, and cultural acceptance.

The model can be more broadly applied to other professional or social groups to promote sustainable dietary practices.

The benefits for the organization or institution (e.g., a hospital, an educational institution, or another healthcare organization) from the implementation of this study are multiple and of strategic importance. They are summarized as follows:

✅ 1. Promotion of Staff Health and Well-being

Improving the dietary behavior of health professionals leads to:

reduced cardiometabolic diseases,

better weight management,

strengthened immune system,

increased energy and productivity in the workplace.

✅ 2. Strengthening the Educational/Healthcare Role of the Institution

Health professionals become behavioral role models for patients, students, and communities.

By adopting sustainable and healthy practices themselves, the credibility of the institution is enhanced as an example of public health responsibility.

✅ 3. Innovation and Leadership in Public Health

Integration of modern and scientifically validated intervention models (TTM & MI).

The focus on sustainable nutrition through alternative proteins connects health with environmental ethics, positioning the institution as innovative and socially conscious.

✅ 4. Sustainable Development and Environmental Responsibility of the Organization

Reducing the consumption of animal proteins contributes to the organization’s environmental strategy by lowering its carbon and water footprint.

It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being,

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,

Goal 13: Climate Action.

✅ 5. Social Impact and Policy Development

The study's data can be used for:

the development of educational programs,

enhancement of internal dietary guidelines,

creation of sustainable food policies (e.g., in hospitals, schools, healthcare units),

public awareness campaigns on health and the environment.