Impact of Lifestyle Modification on Quality of Life in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Findings from the CHANGE Program Intervention Study in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the modification in quality of life (QoL) of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) after participating in Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) program and identify predictors of this modification in QoL among participants. Methods: A convenience sample of 100 patients with MetS completed the 12-month CHANGE program (diet and exercise regular counseling). 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAC), Physician Assessment and Clinical Education (PACE), and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) questionnaires were employed to assess participants' QoL, physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, and quality of diet, respectively. In addition, physical fitness tests (6-Minute Walk Test, One-Leg Stance Test, and Grip Strength Test) were used. Medical history, blood tests, and anthropometric [height, weight, and waist circumference (WC)] and blood pressure measurements were performed by a nurse. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QoL. Results: Participants' mean age was 58.3 ± 11.0, and 75.4% were females. After the CHANGE program, participants demonstrated significant reduction in the number of MetS criteria and significant improvement of physical and mental components of QoL. Moreover, there was significant increase in participants' PA, MDS, and physical fitness mean scores with corresponding significant reduction in sedentary behavior time, blood pressure, and WC measures. Linear regression analysis revealed that age, WC, screen time, PA, and physical fitness were significant predictors of QoL. Conclusion: The 12-month group-based diet and exercise counseling led to clinically significant improvement in MetS criteria and in important measures of health and fitness among participants, which improved their QoL. Age, fitness measures, and daily screen time were associated with QoL.

Keywords: Canada; Mediterranean diet; metabolic syndrome; physical activity; quality of life.