Low fat diet behavior changes in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program at a large midwestern teaching hospital

Abstract

Low fat diet habit patterns in outpatient (Phase II) Cardiac Rehabilitation participants were studied in relation to nutrition class attendance or independent learning. A nonprobability convenience sampling of 81 patients (126 candidates) included two independent groupings (treatment n = 47 and control, n = 34). Patients choosing classes formed the treatment group, independent study the control group. Two separate surveys adapted with permission by authors, pilot-tested for validity and reliability were completed by subjects at program baseline and exit. Subjects were ages 32 – 82 yrs, 94% white (6% black), 73% male (27% female) with 77% having received low fat low cholesterol diet instructions prior. Paired t test findings showed improvements (Food Habits Survey) in treatment (P = .001) and control groups (typically P = .01) concerning dietary fat habit changes for five subscales tested. Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index (CSI) Survey scoring revealed significant mean per cent of energy as fat consumption changes baseline/exit: 29.8/24.4% in the treatment group (P =.001) and 29.1/24.3% in the control group (P = .001). Independent t test measures comparing treatment and control group dual survey outcomes revealed insignificant evidence to support differences related to class attendance. In conclusion, both sample groups demonstrated significantly reduced dietary fat intakes and related habits within groups.