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Does a population-based multifactorial lifestyle intervention increase social inequality in physical activity? The
M Aadahl1, L von Huth Smith, U Toft
1Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Building 84/85, Glostrup University Hospital, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark. metaad01@glo.regionh.dk
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 24, 2009
Summary
A multifactorial lifestyle intervention improved physical activity (PA) in men over 5 years but did not affect social inequalities in PA. Education level did not significantly alter the intervention's impact on physical activity outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Lifestyle interventions aim to improve health behaviors like physical activity (PA).
- Understanding how socioeconomic factors, such as education, influence intervention effectiveness is crucial for public health.
- Previous research suggests potential disparities in health behavior changes based on socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 5-year impact of a multifactorial lifestyle intervention on physical activity (PA).
- To investigate whether educational attainment modifies the intervention's effect on PA levels.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving two samples with varying intervention intensities (high vs. low) and a control group.
- Data collected via health examinations, lifestyle counseling, and self-reported PA questionnaires over 5 years.
- Longitudinal linear regression models analyzed changes in PA, considering education level as a moderator.
Main Results:
- The high-intensity lifestyle intervention demonstrated a significant beneficial effect on PA in men over 5 years, mitigating age- or time-related declines.
- The intervention's positive impact on PA was approximately 30 minutes per week greater compared to the control group.
- Educational level did not significantly influence the intervention's effectiveness in either men or women.
Conclusions:
- A population-based, multifactorial lifestyle intervention can improve physical activity in men.
- The intervention did not reduce or exacerbate social inequalities in physical activity.
- Findings suggest that while lifestyle interventions can be effective, they may not inherently address socioeconomic disparities in health behaviors.
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