Unit Code: PCP819

Unit Name: Motivational Interview and Behaviour Change Counselling in Non Communicable Diseases

Description: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. Each year, more than 15 million people die from a NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years; 85% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, NCD Factsheet 2021). These diseases have reached epidemic proportions, yet they could be significantly reduced with millions of lives saved through reduction of risk factors, early detection and timely treatments (WHO, Global Status report, 2010). Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and all this evidence suggests that the situation is likely to worsen. The two risk factors to obesity and overweight that would be explored in this course are physical inactivity and poor diet. The course would explore their roles to the prevention and management of obesity amongst individuals. It will also highlight the importance of understanding energy balance to assist you in planning an appropriate weight loss program that is addressed to meeting the individuals’ nutritional and behavioral needs. This course is also designed to provide students with theoretical foundation in counselling and behavior change using the concept of motivational interview. It also teaches practical skills needed to motivate and implement the behavioral intervention in health care settings. The course is designed for health professionals or counselors who will be tasked with counseling patients/clients towards positive behaviour change in relation to NCD risk factors. This is a hands-on learning experience, student’s class attendance and participation will be strictly assessed.

Learning Target Outcomes:

Prerequisite: N/A

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1