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Effects of a controlled family-based health education/counseling intervention

Marika Salminen1, Tero Vahlberg, Ansa Ojanlatva

  • 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Turku, and Härkätie Health Center, Lieto, Finland. majosa@utu.fi

American Journal of Health Behavior
|October 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Family-based health education improved children's diet and exercise habits. This intervention positively impacted health behaviors in children with a familial history of cardiovascular diseases (FH-CVDs).

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Health
  • Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Background:

  • Children with a familial history of cardiovascular diseases (FH-CVDs) are at increased risk.
  • Early intervention is crucial for establishing healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Targeting family-based health education can influence pediatric health behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a controlled family-based health education and counseling intervention.
  • To assess changes in health behaviors among children with FH-CVDs.
  • To determine the effectiveness of the intervention on diet, exercise, and smoking.

Main Methods:

  • An intervention group (IG) received 5 counseling sessions.
  • Control groups (CG1 and CG2) received no counseling.
  • Outcome measures included changes in diet, exercise, and cigarette smoking.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group showed more favorable changes in fat and salt intake compared to control groups.
  • Improvements in exercise levels were observed in the intervention group.
  • No significant changes were reported for cigarette smoking.

Conclusions:

  • Family-based health education/counseling demonstrated positive effects on children's diet and nutrition.
  • The intervention also showed partial positive effects on exercise habits.
  • This approach is effective in promoting healthier lifestyles in at-risk children.
Abstract

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