[Clinical outcomes, health-related quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of a 6-month community- based lifestyle program for adults at increased cardiovascular risk in lower Austria]

Abstract

Aim: To investigate lifestyle intervention effects and cost-effectiveness of a structured 6-month exercise and nutrition program for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Uncontrolled before and after study with assessments at baseline and six months. Adults without existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) but at increased CVD risk were eligible. The analysis was done by intention-to-treat (last-observation-carried-forward). Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Main outcome measures were changes in cardiovascular risk-factors (blood pressure, weight, body-mass index, serum lipids, blood glucose, smoking cessation, and exercise) and health-related quality of life.

Results: A total of 356 adults (70.5% female; mean age 48.9 years; mean body mass index 32.4; drop-out 10.4%) participated. At 6 months significant favorable effects were observed in several cardiovascular risk outcomes, exercise behaviour and health related quality of life. At an average incremental cost per life year saved for the ITT-population of <euro> 22.474 the program can be considered cost-effective.