The Tromsø Family Intervention study

Abstract

This study was done to assess the effect of intervention on coronary heart disease risk factors among children using a family approach. Men at increased risk of coronary heart disease (n=l,373) were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups together with their wives (n=1,143) and children (n=2,838). The intervention families received home visits by a physician and dietician, quarterly newsletters regarding diet, smoking and physical exercise and were invited to ‘stop smoking’ clinics and meetings on nutrition and exercise. At rescreening 6 years later, 29 of the control children exceeded pre-set risk factor limits compared with 15 in the intervention group (p<0.05). Children in the intervention group reported 'better' dietary habits than children in control families, especially for foods commonly eaten at home. At least 7 of the 9 ‘good’ dietary habits were practised by 205 intervention children compared with 156 in the control group (p<0.01) and 88 versus 154 reported practising at least 3 of the 9 listed ‘bad’ dietary habits (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between the 12–24 year old children in the 2 groups in mean risk factor levels, the proportion of smokers or in the pattern of physical exercise. It was concluded that coronary heart disease risk reduction in children using the family approach is well received and results in dietary changes and a reduced number exceeding pre-set risk factor limits. The effect on mean risk factor levels, smoking and physical exercise was small. Targeting the intervention more directly to children could possibly improve the results. Also, life-style changes may require a longer follow-up before significant differences can be seen among teenagers.