Effects of the Mediterranean lifestyle program on multiple risk behaviors and psychosocial outcomes among women at risk for heart disease

Abstract

Background: The Mediterranean Lifestyle Program was evaluated for its effects on multiple behavioral risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) among postmenopausal women with diabetes. Purpose: Our purpose is to test a comprehensive lifestyle management intervention to reduce CHD risk in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Participants (N = 279) were randomized to usual care (UC) or Mediterranean Lifestyle Program, a lifestyle change intervention aimed at the behavioral risk factors (eating patterns, physical activity, stress management, and social support) affecting risk for CHD in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Results: In original and intent-to-treat analyses, Mediterranean Lifestyle Program participants showed significantly greater improvement in dietary behaviors, physical activity, stress management, perceived support, and weight loss at 6 months compared to UC. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Program in improving self-care among women with type 2 diabetes, showed that postmenopausal women could make comprehensive lifestyle changes, and provided evidence that a program using social-cognitive strategies and peer support can be used to modify multiple lifestyle behaviors. © 2005 by The Society of Behavioral Medicine.