The effects of a counselling intervention on lifestyle change in people at risk of cardiovascular disease.
BACKGROUND
The study assessed the effects of a counselling intervention on lifestyle changes in certain-aged people at risk of cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
This was an intervention study at baseline and six- and 12-month follow-ups. The participants were 40 years old (n= 53 at baseline, n=33 at six months and n=34 at 12 months). The main outcomes were cardiovascular health parameters, such as weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol (total, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein), blood glucose, and self-assessed and reported lifestyle and adherence to lifestyle changes. The counselling intervention was Internet-based and carried out via Skype or face-to-face in small groups (on average, six participants).


RESULTS
There were statistically significant differences between the baseline and the 12-month follow-up with respect to the consumption of fat and snacks. Some positive cardiovascular health improvements were detected between baseline and six months, but not as clearly between baseline and 12 months. The participants reported having a healthier diet at 12 months than at baseline. At 12 months, BMI measurements indicated that all participants were overweight (mean BMI 29.8), but according to the self-assessed data, only 25% considered themselves to be so.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in lifestyle were detected as a result of the intervention. These lifestyle changes may improve cardiovascular health in the long term. Discrepancies were found between the measured indicators of cardiovascular health and information obtained from questionnaires and diary records. In order to achieve sustainable lifestyle changes, long-term support is required.
University of Oulu, Finland eeva-leena.ylimaki@mail.suomi.net.
Eeva-Leena
EL
Ylimäki
National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu, Finland.
Outi
O
Kanste
University of Oulu, Finland.
Hanna
H
Heikkinen
University of Oulu, Finland.
Risto
R
Bloigu
University of Oulu, Finland Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District, Finland.
Helvi
H
Kyngäs
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D037001:Directive Counseling; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
Cardiovascular health; adherence; cardiovascular risk; counselling intervention; lifestyle