Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the stated importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits (alcohol, eating habits, physical activity and tobacco) by healthcare professionals, and to what extent these attitudes were translated into clinical work. In 2014, healthcare professionals (n=251) from cardiology departments in two hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, participated in a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire included topics regarding stated importance and clinical work undertaken to promote healthy lifestyle habits. Personal and organisational factors of potential importance, expectations and future work were also explored. To analyse differences in stated importance and clinical work within and between lifestyle factors, comparisons of proportions were performed with 99% confidence intervals (CI). Relationships between stated importance and clinical work were investigated using logistic regression. The majority of healthcare professionals stated that it was 'very important' to promote healthy lifestyle habits among patients in general (69%-94%) and in their own clinical work (63%-80%). Despite this, always asking questions (18%-41%) or providing counselling (11%-23%) regarding lifestyle habits was reported to be rare. Overall, tobacco cessation was considered the most important behavioural change and was more often included in clinical work compared to promoting physical activity, healthy eating habits and limiting alcohol use. Clinical work was mainly influenced by to what extent the healthcare professional perceived clear organisational routines and objectives. In conclusion, we observed a gap between stated importance and clinical work in the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits among healthcare professionals. There were differences between lifestyle factors, indicating that work with tobacco cessation is the most established. Our results suggest that in order to promote patients' lifestyle habits in line with evidence-based guidelines, healthcare management should focus on and improve organisational routines and objectives.
Highlights
Healthcare professionals are considered to be a credible source of health information (Lobelo, Duperly, & Frank, 2009)
In order to improve the clinical work with lifestyle habits among patients clear organisational routines and objectives within the cardiac departments have to be established
This study aims to explore stated importance among healthcare professionals towards promoting healthy lifestyle habits at two cardiology departments in hospital care, and to what extent these attitudes are translated into clinical work
Summary
Healthcare professionals are considered to be a credible source of health information (Lobelo, Duperly, & Frank, 2009). The healthcare sector has an important role in improving health in society by distributing correct information on healthy lifestyle habits (Cavill, Kahlmeier, & Racioppi, 2006; The Swedish Government, 2018). Healthy lifestyle habits (moderate use of alcohol, healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and tobacco cessation) are important in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality (Carlsson et al, 2013; Chow et al, 2010; Ek et al, 2018; Ekblom, Ek, Cider, Hambraeus, & Borjesson, 2018; Minges et al, 2016). To stress the importance of healthy lifestyle habits and provide measurable objectives, guidelines have been developed for each lifestyle habit (Piepoli et al, 2016; The National Board of Health & Welfare, 2011, 2018).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
