**6. Behavioral change**

Behavioral change is the process of altering habits and behaviors for particular purpose [41]. Behaviors can be highly ingrained and turn into habits which are done without thinking. It has been found that little changes in behavior can lead to significant health improvement and life expectancy of patients by decreasing the negative impact of unhealthy behaviors [42]. Behavior change is influenced by number of factors including knowledge and attitudes which are important determinants of behavior change [43]. It has been found that education programs that contain behavior change approaches are extra effective in changing behavior [44]. Behavior change is a complex process which requires theoretical foundation during planning any behavioral intervention program [45]. Theory enables greater understanding of the relationships among factors that influence behavior change [46].

They must work jointly with patients in designing health goals, eliminating barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle, and tracking their own behavior can be beneficial [46]. Healthcare providers regularly see patients who engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors; therefore, healthcare providers particularly at the primary healthcare facilities must be equipped with skills to encourage patients change their behaviors [45].
