A feasibility study of a personalised lifestyle programme (HealthForce) for individuals who have participated in cardiovascular risk screening

Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility of a lifestyle intervention, focusing on diet and activity, in adults participating in cardiovascular screening.

Methods: The 12-week lifestyle intervention comprised three personalised counselling sessions plus telephone contact. Outcome data were collected by anthropometry, activity monitoring and lifestyle questionnaires. Acceptability of study measures was assessed by questionnaire and the intervention delivery by in-depth interviews.

Results: Between June 2008 and March 2009, 75 (62%) of 121 eligible individuals were recruited from Tayside, Scotland. Randomisation was to intervention (IV) (n=55) or comparison group (CG) (n=20). Retention was 99% across both groups. In the IV group, 63% increased moderate-vigorous activity by ≥ 30 minutes/week, 82% successfully maintained or lost weight (mean loss 1.1 kg, and 2.6 cm waist circumference) and 85% reported eating five portions of fruit and vegetables compared with 56% at baseline. No behaviour changes were detected in the CG. Feedback highlighted the value of lifestyle "checks," realising that current habits were sub-optimal, receiving personalised advice on specific behaviours, and feeling "healthier" through participation.

Conclusions: HealthForce was feasible to deliver and implement, acceptable to participants, and associated with reported changes in health behaviours over a 12-week period.