Determinants of compliance in men enrolled in a diet and exercise intervention trial: a randomized, controlled study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology and Public Health

Background:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors are prevalent in middle-aged men.
• Lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) are crucial for managing CHD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify determinants of compliance with a 6-month diet and exercise program.
• To inform health professionals on effective strategies for engaging this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 118 healthy middle-aged men with CHD risk factors.
• Data collected through medical exams, interviews, and questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Poor compliance with dietary fiber intake linked to smoking, hostility, perceived barriers, and low risk factor knowledge.
• Low-fat diet compliance affected by smoking, younger age, and lack of family history of CHD.
• Exercise program compliance associated with younger age and having children at home.

Conclusions:

• Specific factors influence adherence to diet and exercise programs in middle-aged men.
• Targeted interventions addressing smoking, hostility, perceived barriers, and knowledge gaps are needed.
• Health professionals can tailor programs based on age, family history, and lifestyle factors.