Efficacy of a Lifestyle Health Program in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: The health situation in Chile with regard to chronic noncommunicable diseases has worsened in recent years. Therefore, programs to change habits that promote protective factors and reduce cardiovascular risk factors are necessary in order to intervene whore the problem arises.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a program with family health advisors through a follow-up study of the measured health indicators.

Methods: Analytical, quasiexperimental and longitudinal study carried out in the Chilean cities of Concepción and Temuco. Biometric indicators (BMI, weight, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, visceral fat level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference and blood glucose) were measured in two follow-up plans (general, one month; and personalized, two months).

Results: Upon comparing both plans, it was observed that, in the general follow-up plan, there were differences in weight, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage and BMI (p<0.01), while in the personalized follow-up plan, differences were observed in systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, body fat percentage and BMI (p<0.01), as well as for glycemia (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the general and personalized follow-up plans.

Conclusions: The program is effective in increasing protective factors such as maintaining a normal weight, performing regular physical activity and consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, water consumption, among others, which allows the participant to decrease risk factors regardless of the follow-up plan.