A health promotion behavior intervention for migrant older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Behavior Change Wheel (BCW)-based intervention on improving health promotion behaviors, aging perception, family care, and loneliness among migrant older adults.

Methods

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 61 migrant older adults (35 females ≥55 years, 26 males ≥60 years) from two community health centers in Huzhou, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 30), received a 12-week BCW-based health promotion program targeting capability, opportunity, and motivation via health education, community activities, and family support, or to the control group (n = 31) received routine community care. The outcomes were measured at baseline, week 6, and post-intervention using validated scales.

Results

All participants (n = 61) completed the study. The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in health promotion behaviors at week 6 (β = 7.99; 95 % CI: 5.86–10.13; p < 0.001) and post-intervention (β = 11.07; 95 % CI: 8.88–13.26; p < 0.001). Similarly, the intervention group exhibited significantly reduced aging perception (β = −4.80; 95 % CI: [−8.10, −1.49]; p = 0.004) and loneliness (β = −2.92; 95 % CI: [−4.74, −1.11]; p = 0.002), along with enhanced family care (β = 1.75; 95 % CI: [0.76, 2.74]; p < 0.001) at post-intervention. All sub-dimensions of health promotion behaviors improved significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The BCW-based health promotion intervention effectively enhanced the well-being of migrant older adults by addressing their unique needs. The findings highlight the potential of tailored, multidimensional interventions to support this vulnerable population. Future research should explore long-term effects and cost effectiveness for broader implementation.