Tool for Changing Health Behaviors in Chronic Disease Management
Author Information
Author(s): Gillespie Nicole D., Lenz Thomas L.
Primary Institution: Creighton University
Hypothesis
The study hypothesized that confidence would increase after participation in the program.
Conclusion
The study found that a cardiovascular risk reduction program can increase participants' readiness and confidence to change specific lifestyle behaviors related to cardiovascular health.
Supporting Evidence
- 90% of type 2 diabetes, 80% of coronary artery disease, and 70% of all strokes are potentially preventable by lifestyle changes.
- The tool uses the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change to assess readiness and confidence to change lifestyle behaviors.
- Participants showed significant increases in readiness to change behaviors related to physical activity and healthy living.
Takeaway
This study created a tool to help people change their unhealthy habits, like eating better and exercising more, to stay healthier.
Methodology
Participants completed readiness-to-change and confidence-to-change questionnaires at baseline and after six months, with statistical analysis performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Potential Biases
The study may have bias due to the small sample size and the specific population of university employees.
Limitations
The study's data is patient-reported and does not include actual lifestyle data from participants.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 35 participants, 6 males and 29 females, with an average age of 50.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< .005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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