Effect of information motivation behavioral skills model based dietary patterns on carotid atherosclerosis in elderly...

Since hypertension exacerbates carotid arteries atherosclerosis among the elderly, this study aimed to find whether dietary pattern alteration can alleviate this effect using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Skills Model. In a retrospective cohort study with a 3-month follow-up, 1000 elderly hypertensive patients admitted between June 2022 and June 2023 were categorized into two groups: a Non-IMB group (n = 480) following a standard low-salt, low-fat diet and an IMB model-based diet group (n = 520). Propensity score matching ensured comparable baseline characteristics. Over three months, the IMB group received comprehensive dietary education and support. Primary outcomes measured were changes in CIMT and plaque scores, assessed via carotid ultrasound. Secondary measures included motivation for health-related behaviors, cardiovascular health, and quality of life. The IMB group showed a significant reduction in CIMT (1.05 ± 0.30 mm) compared to the Non-IMB group (1.20 ± 0.35 mm, P < 0.001). Plaque scores decreased significantly in the IMB group (1.80 ± 0.32) versus the Non-IMB group (1.97 ± 0.41, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis highlighted adherence to the IMB dietary pattern as the strongest predictor of improved CIMT and plaque scores, with an odds ratio of 7.807 (95% CI 5.851 to 10.417, P < 0.001). While significant improvements were noted in dietary intake patterns and blood pressure parameters, motivational and cardiovascular health metrics showed no statistically significant differences between groups. The potential applicability of the IMB dietary framework in clinical strategies aimed at mitigating atherosclerosis progression and managing cardiovascular risk in this demographic.