Cholesterol reduction in men: an experimental investigation of intensive treatment with frequent feedback versus a simple educational treatment

While the relationship between elevated total serum cholesterol levels and the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) has been evident for a number of years, relatively few studies attempting to attain reductions in total serum cholesterol have utilized specific behavioral protocols. This study was conducted with 16 middle aged men (mean age = 46.4 years) with elevated total serum cholesterol (TSC) levels (x = 233 mg/dl). Multiple measures of TSC were taken. After an extended baseline phase, participants were randomly assigned to treatment conditions. One group ("Simple") received a cholesterol reduction class only (designed to stress the National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP) Step One Diet) and the other group ("Intensive’) received the cholesterol reduction class in addition to weekly cholesterol feedback, specific dietary feedback (shown graphically) and individually tailored goals. Dietary information was collected by individual food diaries. The results indicated that both groups reduced their TSC level (9.60% Intensive and 5.52% Simple) with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Both groups made changes in their diet yet, neither group completely met the guidelines set by the NCEP. However, there was some evidence for greater dietary adherence to the Step One diet and reaching risk (categorization) reduction goals for men in the intensive condition. Additional research has shown more intensive interventions led to substantially greater reductions (14%-16%) in TSC and dietary change. These results and prior research suggest that modest reductions in TSC can be achieved by less intensive programs that follow and/or slightly enhance the NCEP program, but that greater reductions in TSC (and reductions in CHD risk) may require programs with more intensive procedures.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Department dc:contributor.department

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Neubauer, Tamara E.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-03122009-040807

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/41480