Study on cognitive attitudes toward lifestyle changes among patients after metabolic and bariatric surgery

ObjectiveTo explore subjective cognitive attitudes toward lifestyle changes among patients after metabolic and bariatric surgery and inform tailored interventions.MethodsBased on the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change,Q methodology was applied.A 28⁃item Q⁃sample was developed via literature review and semi⁃structured interviews.Sixteen patients within 1⁃12 months post⁃surgery completed Q⁃sorting.Factor extraction and analysis were conducted.ResultsFourteen valid Q⁃sorts were analyzed.Three distinct attitude types were identified,accounting for 62.0% of total variance:proactive,passive acceptance,and cognitive conflict.These types differed in health cognition,behavioral motivation,and contextual adaptability.ConclusionsPatients after bariatric metabolic surgery exhibit heterogeneous attitudes toward lifestyle changes.Identifying cognitive typologies can inform stratified nursing education and behavioral support strategies to enhance long⁃term adherence and rehabilitation outcomes.