Patients' Attitudes Toward Changing Unhealthy Lifestyles
Author Information
Author(s): Zalika Klemenc-Ketis, Mateja Bulc, Janko Kersnik
Primary Institution: Department of Family Medicine, Medical School, University of Maribor, Slovenia
Hypothesis
What are the attitudes of Slovenian family practice patients toward changing unhealthy lifestyles and the role of family physicians in facilitating this change?
Conclusion
Family physicians should regularly ask patients about their intention to change their lifestyle and offer help in achieving these changes.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly 20% of patients planned to change their eating habits, increase physical activity, and reach normal body weight.
- Younger patients and those with higher education were more confident in their ability to improve their lifestyle.
- About 30% of patients wanted advice from their family physicians on lifestyle changes.
Takeaway
Many patients want to change their unhealthy habits, but they often feel unsure about their ability to do so and want help from their doctors.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires distributed to patients in 15 family practices.
Potential Biases
The selection of family practices from a list of tutors may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study's results may not be generalizable to all family practices in Slovenia or other countries.
Participant Demographics
{"men":212,"women":260,"mean_age":49.3,"education_levels":{"primary_school":93,"secondary_school":259,"university_or_postgraduate":119}}
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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