IntroductionLesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world with high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. The aim was to evaluate the impact of a nutrition education intervention informed by self-efficacy and locus of control theories among women in Lesotho.MethodsA randomized pre-test-post-test design was adopted to implement a systematically designed nutrition education intervention in women from Maseru and Berea districts in Lesotho. Women from selected villages were randomly assigned to comparison and intervention groups. Baseline and post assessments were conducted before, and 6 months after the intervention. Nutrition-related self-efficacy and locus of control were assessed using a semi-structured knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices (KABP) questionnaire.ResultsAt baseline, 444 women aged 19–60 years were included. After the intervention, 259 women in the comparison (n = 105) and intervention groups (n = 154) were interviewed. Self-efficacy beliefs that improved significantly in the intervention group but not in the comparison group included increased confidence that they could eat a healthy diet every day [95% CI for the percentage difference (61.5; 76.7)]; an improved ability to secure several healthy foods in the home; increased confidence in engaging in physical activity [95% CI (29.5; 46.6)]; reducing the amount of salt they used in food [95% CI (2.1; 14.0)]; and compiling a budget for food purchases [95% CI (56.1; 72.1)]. Regarding locus of control, the belief in a personal capacity to take charge of one's health through the production and consumption of healthy food improved in the intervention group [95% CI (12.4; 25.0)] but not in the comparison group [95% CI (15.9; 0.4)]. At follow-up, a significantly larger percentage of participants in the intervention group also believed that they could take control of their health and that they could prevent some illnesses by the food they eat.ConclusionA nutrition education intervention that is systematically planned and framed on selected theories of health behavior improved nutrition-related beliefs in self-efficacy and locus of control.

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<p>  </p> <p>Fifty hypertensive male and female patients between the ages 35 and 65, seeking medical assistance at Maluti Adventist Hospital in the Berea district were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Only patients diagnosed with hypertension who gave their consent by signing consent forms were interviewed. The questionnaire design was informed by the objectives of the study and some constructs of the health belief model as the theoretical foundation of the study. Socio-demographic factors including age, gender, educational level and occupation were identified. Moreover, knowledge, perceptions and barriers regarding dietary compliance for hypertension were assessed. The data was checked and cleared for completeness before analysis.</p>

<p>  </p> <p>Fifty hypertensive male and female patients between the ages 35 and 65, seeking medical assistance at Maluti Adventist Hospital in the Berea district were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Only patients diagnosed with hypertension who gave their consent by signing consent forms were interviewed. The questionnaire design was informed by the objectives of the study and some constructs of the health belief model as the theoretical foundation of the study. Socio-demographic factors including age, gender, educational level and occupation were identified. Moreover, knowledge, perceptions and barriers regarding dietary compliance for hypertension were assessed. The data was checked and cleared for completeness before analysis.</p>