Does a population-based multifactorial lifestyle intervention increase social inequality in physical activity? The Inter99 study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of a multifactorial lifestyle intervention on 5-year change in physical activity (PA) and to explore whether length of education had an impact on the effect of the intervention.


METHODS
Two random samples (high intervention group A, n=11 708; low intervention group B, n=1308) were invited for a health examination, assessment of absolute risk of ischemic heart disease and individual lifestyle counselling. The participation rate was 52.5%. High-risk individuals in group A were also offered group-based counselling on diet and PA and/or smoking cessation. High-risk individuals in group B were referred to usual care. All high-risk individuals were reinvited for examination and counselling after 1 and 3 years, and all participants were reexamined after 5 years. The control group (group C, n=5264, response rate 61.1%) answered a mailed questionnaire. Change in self-reported PA from baseline to 5-year follow-up was the main outcome. Level of education was classified as no vocational training, ≤4 years and >4 years. Data were analysed using longitudinal linear regression models with random intercepts.


RESULTS
In men, the high-intensity intervention had a beneficial effect on PA level after 5 years. The age- or time-related decrease in PA was approximately 30 min/week less compared to men in the control group (p<0.0001). Level of education had no significant impact on the effect of the intervention neither in men (p=0.39) nor in women (p=0.32).


CONCLUSIONS
A population-based multifactorial lifestyle intervention did not influence social inequality in PA.
Aadahl
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M
Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Building 84/85, Glostrup University Hospital, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark. metaad01@glo.regionh.dk
von Huth Smith
L
L
Toft
U
U
Pisinger
C
C
Jørgensen
T
T
D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D004522:Educational Status; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires