The importance of self-efficacy in cardiovascular risk factor change.
METHODS
The study was based on the total patient sample (n = 110) of a randomized controlled trial comparing two intervention methods advising cardiovascular high-risk men of lifestyle changes in general practice. Behaviour and risk factor changes during the one-year intervention study were analysed using multiple regression and logistic regression analyses with the above-mentioned independent variables.


METHODS
Twenty-two general practice centres in the county of Hordaland, western Norway.


RESULTS
Self-efficacy of increased physical exercise was the only variable significantly related to exercise change. Age and self-efficacy were statistical significant predictors of smoking cessation success. None of the independent variables was statistically significantly related to blood pressure or cholesterol change. Educational level related negatively, although statistically insignificantly, with total risk change.


CONCLUSIONS
The study confirms the importance of self-efficacy in both human behaviour and motivation for behaviour change.


OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the study were to explore the impact of possible predictors for cardiovascular risk behaviour change, predictors such as education, age, self-efficacy, doctors' interpersonal skills, and number of appointments.
Meland
E
E
Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
Maeland
J G
JG
Laerum
E
E
D000328:Adult; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005194:Family Practice; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009664:Norway; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016540:Smoking Cessation