title: A randomized non-pharmacological intervention study for prevention of ischaemic heart disease: baseline results Inter99.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various strategies have been used to induce lifestyle changes to reduce ischaemic heart disease (IHD) with various successes. The aim of Inter99 is to assess the effect on IHD incidence of individually tailored non-pharmacological intervention on lifestyle using a newly developed computer-based health educational tool. The article describes the study and baseline results.
  
  
  METHODS
  From a population of 61,301 individuals two random samples (high intensity intervention group (A), n = 11,708; low intensity intervention group (B), n = 1308) are screened to assess their absolute risk of IHD. Those at high risk receive individual lifestyle counselling. Individuals in group A are furthermore offered lifestyle counselling in groups on smoking cessation or physical activity/diet over a 6-month period. Individuals in group B are referred to their GP. High-risk persons are re-counselled after 1 and 3 years and the whole group is re-invited after 5 years. The remaining 48,285 (group C) are followed by questionnaire. The total population is followed through central registers. Intermediate end-points are changes in lifestyle, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. Final end-point is reduction in incidence of IHD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The randomization leads to comparable groups. Participation rate was 52.5%. A total of 60% fulfilled the predetermined criteria for being at high risk for developing IHD. After an individual lifestyle counselling 41% accepted group-based counselling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This large randomized population based trial discloses a noticeable need for and acceptance of lifestyle intervention in the general population.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Copenhagen County, Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark. tojo@glostruphosp.kbhamt.dk
authors.forename: Torben
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.forename: Knut
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Borch-Johnsen
authors.forename: Troels F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ibsen
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Glümer
authors.forename: Charlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pisinger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003376:Counseling; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012107:Research Design; D016540:Smoking Cessation