Abstract
Intensive therapeutic lifestyle modification programs, such as the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, there are little data on how participation in CHIP with a household member can affect CVD biomarkers. This study focuses on the benefit of joint participation of household members in CHIP in order to have a better outcome in improving CVD risk factors compared with lone or individual participation. Data from 20 CHIP classes offered from 2011 to 2015 in Athens, Ohio, where each class was conducted over 2-4 months, consisting of 16-18 sessions, were collected. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles were measured before and near the completion of each class. A statistically significant greater reduction in BMI (p = 0.003) in those who attended with a household member compared to those who attended as individuals was found. CHIP has some effect on various CVD risk factors for those who attend intensive therapeutic lifestyle modification programs with an accompanying household member. Hence, encouragement of participation with a family member or a “buddy” may be prudent, especially if weight reduction is a key program participation goal. Further evaluation of the “buddy effect” involving both of those residing in the same household and those who do not but nevertheless provide mutual support is warranted.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States [1]
This study aimed to see if better CVD risk factor outcomes were achieved by participating in an Intensive therapeutic lifestyle modification programs (ITLMP) with a household member as compared to attending alone
66.4% participated as an individual, or alone, while 33.6% participated with an accompanying household member
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States [1]. Risk factors for CVD include dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, elevated body mass index (BMI), and diabetes [2,3,4]. Intensive therapeutic lifestyle modification programs (ITLMP) have been effective in improving CVD biomarkers and risk factors [5,6,7]. One well-studied ITLMP is the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), which has demonstrated short-term effectiveness in improving many CVD risk factors [8, 9]. The Appalachian region of the United States has consistently been associated with high morbidity and mortality resulting from chronic diseases such as CVD and diabetes, lack of access to health care, and higher rates of uninsured people [10]. Prior studies have demonstrated that CHIP was effective in reducing CVD risk factors in an Appalachian population [11, 12]. In spite of the growing literature on ITLMP and CVD risk factors, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the effect of participation with an accompanying household member
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