Effects of a lifestyle-related risk factor modification intervention on lifestyle changes among patients with coronary artery disease in Nepal. Issue 6 (June 2021) - Gaudel, Pramila
Highlights: Study was conducted among an under-studied Nepali population. Seven lifestyle-related risk factors were studied simultaneously. Intervention improved dietary habit, physical activity, medication adherence and stress level significantly. Nurse-led one-time cardiac rehabilitation intervention was effective to improve healthy lifestyle habit among CAD patients. Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of a lifestyle-related risk factor modification intervention on coronary artery disease (CAD) patients' lifestyle changes. Method: A randomized controlled study was conducted in Nepal. A total of 224 CAD patients (112 in each study group) were included at baseline, and 196 patients (98 in each group) completed the one-month follow-up. Patients in the intervention group (IG) received nurse-led intervention in addition to the usual care. Face-to face and telephone interview was conducted using standard questionnaires to collect data on lifestyle-related risk factors; smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, body mass index, stress, adherence to medical therapy, and physical activity. General linear model repeated measure analysis was used to analyse the effects of the intervention. Results: Based on self-reported data we found significant improvement in lifestyle-related risk factor habits in the IG compared with the usual care group with respect to diet (p < 0.001), physical activity (p < 0.001), medication adherence (p < 0.001) and stress (p < 0.001) at one-month follow-up. Conclusion: Lifestyle-related risk factor modification intervention can positively influence health risk habits, even when it is less intensive but supplemented with information leaflets. Practical implications: Nurse-led one-time intervention may successfully deliver counselling to improve healthy lifestyle among underserved CAD patients.