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Physicians' Words, Patients' Response: The Role of Healthcare Counselling in Enhancing Beneficial Lifestyle
Thomas Tsiampalis1,2, Matina Kouvari2,3, Vasiliki Belitsi1
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sports and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 38221 Trikala, Greece.
Insights
Physician counseling significantly improves patient adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity. This guidance is crucial for managing cardiometabolic health and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Preventive cardiology emphasizes patient education on risk factors and mitigation strategies.
- Long-term adherence to lifestyle changes and medications presents a persistent challenge.
- Physician counseling's role in fostering sustained behavior change requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of physician counseling on patient adherence to lifestyle recommendations.
- To explore the association between healthcare provider guidance and cardiometabolic health behaviors.
- To identify specific lifestyle components influenced by physician advice.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted in Greece (2022-2023) with 1988 participants.
- Utilized validated questionnaires to assess patient characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices.
- Analyzed the correlation between physician counseling and adherence to health recommendations.
Main Results:
- Physician-advised patients showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity.
- Patients receiving physician guidance were more likely to be non-smokers.
- Physician recommendations had a stronger impact on Mediterranean diet adherence than other behaviors, with specific associations for cereal, legume, and red meat intake.
Conclusions:
- Physician guidance plays a pivotal role in enhancing Mediterranean diet adherence and promoting healthier lifestyles.
- Effective management of cardiometabolic health necessitates a collaborative, multidisciplinary healthcare strategy.
- Integrating physicians, dietitians, and fitness experts can optimize patient support for lifestyle modifications.
Abstract:
Background: Preventive cardiology aims to educate patients about risk factors and the importance of mitigating them through lifestyle adjustments and medications. However, long-term adherence to recommended interventions remains a significant challenge. This study explores how physician counselling contributes to successful behavior changes in various aspects of lifestyle. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Greece in 2022-2023 included 1988 participants. Validated questionnaires assessed patients' characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. Results: The findings revealed that patients who received lifestyle advice from physicians demonstrated increased compliance with the Mediterranean diet and a higher involvement in physical activity. Notably, they were also less likely to be non-smokers. Importantly, physicians' recommendations had a more pronounced association with adherence level to the Mediterranean diet compared to other lifestyle behaviors. Additionally, specific dietary components like cereal, legume, and red meat consumption were significantly associated with physicians' guidance. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex relationship between patients' cardiometabolic health, lifestyle decisions, and healthcare professionals' guidance. The substantial influence of physicians on Mediterranean diet adherence underscores the necessity for a multidisciplinary healthcare approach. Collaborative efforts involving physicians, dietitians, and fitness experts can offer comprehensive support to patients in navigating the intricate landscape of cardiometabolic health.
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