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Spouse support and long-term adherence to lipid-lowering diets
V E Bovbjerg1, B S McCann, D J Brief
1Northwest Lipid Research Clinic, University of Washington, Seattle 98101.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
High spouse support significantly improved men's adherence to low-fat diets for heart health over 24 months. This social support was crucial for maintaining dietary changes in individuals with hypercholesterolemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Behavioral Science
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Social support is linked to reduced heart disease risk.
- Supportive relationships may promote health behavior changes in high-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between spouse support and the maintenance of low-fat diets.
- To assess the role of social support in managing hypercholesterolemia through diet.
Main Methods:
- A 24-month randomized trial involving 254 men with hypercholesterolemia.
- Dietary goal attainment was measured via food records.
- Spouse support was assessed using the Evaluation of Spouse Support scale at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Men with the highest quartile of spouse support were more likely to achieve dietary goals at 3, 12, and 24 months.
- Odds ratios for goal attainment ranged from 3.9 to 5.5 in the highest support quartile.
- Support did not significantly impact immediate post-instruction dietary goal achievement.
Conclusions:
- Social support from spouses is a significant factor in the long-term maintenance of low-fat diets.
- Interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health should consider leveraging social support systems.
- Spousal involvement may be key for sustained dietary adherence in men with hypercholesterolemia.