Effects of the mediterranean lifestyle program on multiple risk behaviors and psychosocial outcomes among women at risk for heart disease.
The Mediterranean Lifestyle Program was evaluated for its effects on multiple behavioral risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) among postmenopausal women with diabetes.



Our purpose is to test a comprehensive lifestyle management intervention to reduce CHD risk in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.



Participants (N = 279) were randomized to usual care (UC) or Mediterranean Lifestyle Program, a lifestyle change intervention aimed at the behavioral risk factors (eating patterns, physical activity, stress management, and social support) affecting risk for CHD in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.



In original and intent-to-treat analyses, Mediterranean Lifestyle Program participants showed significantly greater improvement in dietary behaviors, physical activity, stress management, perceived support, and weight loss at 6 months compared to UC.



This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Program in improving self-care among women with type 2 diabetes, showed that postmenopausal women could make comprehensive lifestyle changes, and provided evidence that a program using social-cognitive strategies and peer support can be used to modify multiple lifestyle behaviors.
Toobert
Deborah J
DJ
Oregon Research Institute, Eugene 97403-1983, USA. deborah@ori.org
Strycker
Lisa A
LA
Glasgow
Russell E
RE
Barrera
Manuel
M
Angell
Karyn
K
D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology; D016730:Program Development; D011584:Psychology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control