A comparison of education methods and their impact on behavioral change in patients with hyperlipidemia

We sought to determine the efficacy of a hospital-based, professionally-taught program emphasizing cardiovascular health. Similar programs are in existence throughout the country without documentation of their long-term benefits. Thirty-six hyperlipidemic individuals were treated as a control group or participated in one of two intensive educational interventions. The educational program was based on information obtained from focus group methodology to elicit attitudes about dietary change and learning style preferences. Behavioral changes in smoking, dietary salt and saturated fat intake, stress and tension, physical activity, and departure from ideal body weight were documented using health questionnaires and Lifestyle Risk Indices. At three months of follow-up, there was no change in serum lipids, total fat intake, or cardiovascular risk behavior in either the control or intervention group. We conclude that a one-day program, whether designed by the target population or experts, did not improve cardiovascular risk behaviors, suggesting that more innovative methods are required to address health behaviors in this high risk group.