Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this study was to clarify how people with impaired glucose tolerance living in a rural area transform their health-related behavior. Methods : We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 people, all with impaired glucose tolerance, attending community health classes. Modified Grounded Theory Approach was used in data analysis. Results : From interview transcripts a total of 30 concepts related to the process by which participants made changes in health-related behavior were identified, from which 8 categories were extracted : indifference towards one's body ; opportunities for class participation ; opportunities to notice health problems ; maintaining one's willpower ; flexibility through trial and error ; sources of inspiration ; stimulation from one's surroundings ; and becoming accustomed to change. Three categories were considered most important to the behavioral change process : opportunities to notice health problems, maintaining one's willpower, and flexibility through trial and error. The opportunity to notice health problems was considered most important. A cycle was formed by the linking of 3 categories : noticing, consciousness, and action ; noticing was established as the source of the cycle's circulation. Moreover, it was established that actions is changed by the act of becoming accustomed to change, which ensures that actions will continue. Discussion : Noticing problems in health-related behavior is important. In order for the cycle of noticing, consciousness, and action to continue, communication between participants in health classes, as well as periodic opportunities to notice health problems through self-monitoring, can be considered crucial.
