The Effectiveness of Hyperlipidemia Prevention Intervention Designed to Affect Behavior Change: Focus on Changes in Health Behavior

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia prevention intervention for behavior change was conducted on subjects in their 30s and 40s to evaluate changes in health behavior and investigate the effectiveness of these changes, with respect to early prevention and improvement of disease. Subjects were middle-aged individuals aged 30 - 49, suffering from serum lipid abnormalities. Intervention designed to affect behavior change was implemented for 3 weeks in 11 employees (nine males, two females) at five workplaces. Intervention mainly consisted of improving self-efficacy. The study’s purpose was explained and the written consent was obtained from subjects. Subjects filled questionnaires (characteristics, history of present illness, health behavior, self-efficacy scale for prevention of hyperlipidemia, etc.) both before and after intervention. Subjects recorded their physical activity using accelerometers and dietary intake photographically. Each subject created realistic behavior goals and recorded their progress using self-monitoring charts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; therefore, pre- and post-intervention data were compared. Physical activity and achievement rate of goals during the first week and over the next 2 - 3 weeks were compared. Health behavior scores showed modification of behavior in a desirable direction after intervention compared with those before intervention. No significant difference in self-efficacy before and after intervention was observed. However, the subscale for diet was significantly higher after intervention compared with that before intervention. Steps, total calories, and activity calories were increased in the second and third weeks compared with those in the first week. Three weeks of intervention resulted in health behavior changing in a desirable direction. We infer that intervention in the form of self-monitoring using accelerometers that make physical activity visible was effective in leading to behavior change.