315-LB: Intervention Program on Lifestyle Changes and Weight Reduction for Workers in Remote Areas, Based on Therapeutic Education and Telemedicine Coordination

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are frequently found risk factors in oil industry workers in Argentinian Patagonia with limited access to health care system. Objective: Implement an intervention program based on lifestyle changes for weight reduction among oil industry workers of Patagonia; coordinated by telemedicine from the City of Buenos Aires and carried out by local nurses. Materials and Methods: Nurses in 10 different oil fields, were trained in motivational interviewing, nutrition and physical activity fundamentals. Employees were invited to a 3 months structured program, including workshops on healthy nutrition habits, and weekly consultations to infirmaries for weight control and brief motivational interviews. Participants received a health notebook for self-record of: food intake, physical activity, weight progress and therapeutic objectives. Coordinators monitored the program through video and teleconferences, plus 3 on-site visits. Results: Of 220 participants, 178 (94% males) were included for data analysis, excluding those with BMI<25 kg/m2. Initial data showed 41% overweight, 59% obesity (36.5% grade I, 17.4% grade II and 5.1% grade III) and 93,3% of dyslipidemia among participants. Adherence, measured by assistance to consultations, was 48,9 % high, 37,6% satisfactory and 13,5% low. Median weight loss was 2.5 kg (IQR 1.2 - 4.8) and 2.7% of initial weight (IQR 1.4 - 4.8). High adherence group had an average weight reduction of 4,8kg (95% CI 4.1 - 5.6). Overall, 24% of population lost more than 5% of initial weight, and 7 participants weight loss was greater than 10%. Conclusions: A structured intervention program in remote areas, coordinated by telemedicine can be a successful tool for weight loss and reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors. Disclosure J. Mociulsky: None. P. Ruiz: None. P.C. Zarate: None. L. Cura: None. M.M. Ganduglia Cazaban: Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.