Impact of a lifestyle education program on family medicine residents' knowledge and attitudes: A pre- and...

Non-communicable diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lifestyle behaviors, such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use, contribute substantially to this burden. Lifestyle medicine (LM) emphasizes evidence-based behavioral interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases. However, little is known about LM education among family medicine residents in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region. This study aimed to assess the effects of a structured LM educational intervention on the knowledge and attitudes of family medicine residents in the Jazan region.

A pilot pre- and post-intervention design was implemented among 67 residents enrolled in a post-graduate family medicine program in the Jazan region during May 2025. A validated questionnaire covering eight knowledge domains and five attitude dimensions related to LM was administered before and after training. The intervention was performed in a single day. An 8-h intensive program provided a comprehensive introduction to LM and health coaching through a blended learning approach incorporating lectures, workshops, and case-based scenarios. Facilitated by International Board of Lifestyle Medicine-certified consultant family physicians, the curriculum leveraged expert instruction and multimedia tools to deliver evidence-based training on the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics to evaluate the changes between pre- and post-intervention responses.

The median total knowledge score increased from 23.0 (IQR 19.0-29.0) at baseline to 29.0 (IQR 27.0-31.0) following the intervention. Knowledge improved across the majority of domains, notably nutrition, physical activity, and health coaching. Knowledge improved among 82.1% of participants. A total of 56.7% demonstrated a positive shift in attitudes toward LM principles, which may translate into greater willingness to counsel patients on lifestyle modification and prioritize preventive care during routine clinical encounters.

The educational intervention significantly improved residents' knowledge and moderately enhanced their attitudes toward LM. The findings of this pilot study underscore the importance of incorporating structured LM training into family medicine residency programs nationwide to strengthen preventive care competencies and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.