A problem-solving intervention for cardiovascular disease risk reduction in veterans: Protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Behavioral science
• Public health interventions

Background:

• Health behaviors significantly influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and substance use are critical.
• Targeting behavioral barriers is key to reducing CVD incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a problem-solving intervention (HELPS) for patients at elevated CVD risk.
• To help participants overcome barriers to adopting positive health behaviors.
• To reduce overall cardiovascular risk through behavioral change.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 400 Veterans Affairs (VA) patients at elevated CVD risk.
• Intervention group received the Healthy Living Problem-Solving (HELPS) program (group sessions + coaching).
• Primary outcome: Framingham Risk Score (FRS) change over 6 months; secondary outcomes included physical activity and self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• Data analysis for the primary outcome (FRS) is pending.
• Secondary outcome data on physical activity, caloric intake, and self-efficacy were collected.
• The study protocol is designed to yield significant insights into behavioral intervention effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Findings will guide the development of effective behavioral interventions for cardiovascular health.
• The study aims to inform strategies for managing health behaviors in at-risk populations.
• This research contributes to reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease through lifestyle modification.