Transtheoretical model for lifestyle changes in older persons: a systematic review protocol.

Adherence to lifestyle changes is a major challenge for healthcare professionals. The transtheoretical model (TTM) was proposed to promote behavioral changes, used in different health conditions (smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, and obesity) and age groups. However, the effectiveness of the model in older persons is not yet known. This systematic review protocol follows the PRISMA-P guidance. The question the review will address is, Are interventions based on the TTM, compared with conventional interventions, associated with lifestyle changes in older adults? Databases MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL, WoS, and PsycINFO will be searched. Randomized clinical controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies describing the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions in changing the lifestyle of individuals aged 65 and over, compared with conventional interventions for lifestyle changes, will be included. Studies that do not address the stages of change characteristic of TTM or that use pharmacological interventions as a comparator will be excluded. Reviewers independently will screen papers for eligibility criteria, and, extracting data, assess the risk of bias for included studies and will evaluate the overall quality of evidence (GRADE system). If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be prepared according to the SWiM guideline.