Lifestyle intervention and cardiovascular risk reduction in the Illinois WISEWOMAN Program

The Illinois WISEWOMAN Program (IWP) was designed to address the disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among disadvantaged, low-income women. In total, 1021 women aged 40 to 64 years were recruited from the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. The women were randomized to either a minimum intervention (MI) or an enhanced intervention (EI) group. Both groups received CVD risk factor screening and educational materials, and the EI group received a 12-week lifestyle change intervention.

Demographic and clinical data were collected in addition to data on CVD risk, which was measured in terms of nutritional and physical activity behavior, using culturally adapted versions of three valid and reliable questionnaires. IWP data were analyzed for demographic characteristics and clinical and behavioral outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up at 1 and 2 years from baseline. This article reports the change in these outcomes up to the 1-year follow-up.

Participants in the EI group showed significant improvement on some of the dietary and physical activity outcomes both at post-intervention and 1-year follow-up. Compared with the MI group, the EI group showed more improvement in dietary fat- and fiber-related behaviors and increased physical activity levels. There were improvements in all of the cardiovascular outcomes at post-intervention in both the EI and MI groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant.

As an integrated physical activity and nutrition intervention, the IWP has shown its strength in addressing some of the lifestyle behaviors for CVD prevention in this at-risk target population.