A randomized trial of interactive group sessions achieved greater improvements in nutrition and physical activity at a tiny increase in cost

Dzator, J.A.; Hendrie, D.; Burke, V.; Gianguilio, N.; Gillam, H.F.; Beilin, L.J.; Houghton, S.

doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2003.10.009

« Previous Next »Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Volume 57, Issue 6 , Pages 610-619, June 2004

A randomized trial of interactive group sessions achieved greater improvements in nutrition and physical activity at a tiny increase in cost

J.A. Dzator
- School of Policy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
D. Hendrie
- School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia Australia
V. Burke
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital Unit and West Australian Institute for Medical Research, Box X2213 GPO, Perth 6847, Western Australia Australia
- Corrresponding author. Tel.: +61 8 9224 0276; fax: +61 8 9224 0246.
N. Gianguilio
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital Unit and West Australian Institute for Medical Research, Box X2213 GPO, Perth 6847, Western Australia Australia
H.F. Gillam
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital Unit and West Australian Institute for Medical Research, Box X2213 GPO, Perth 6847, Western Australia Australia
L.J. Beilin
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital Unit and West Australian Institute for Medical Research, Box X2213 GPO, Perth 6847, Western Australia Australia
S. Houghton
- Centre for Attention and Related Disorders, Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia Australia

Accepted 23 October 2003.

Abstract

Objective

Weight gain may follow altered eating habits and decreased physical activity in couples beginning to live together. Mutual support and willingness to accept changes in lifestyle at this stage may facilitate positive responses to health promotion. We aimed to compare the effects of a diet and physical activity program in couples using a randomized controlled trial.

Study design and setting

Couples were randomized to a control group or to one of two intervention groups in whom the program was either delivered mainly by mail or with a combination of mail-outs and interactive group sessions.

Results

Diets, physical fitness, and blood cholesterol improved up to 12 months after beginning the 4-month program, mainly in the interactive group. In that group, at the end of the program, the estimated cost was $445.30 ($111.33/month) per participant per unit change in outcome variables, only $0.03 per participant per month more than the group receiving the program mainly by mail. One year after beginning the program, costs per participant per month were $38.37 in the interactive group and $38.22 in the group receiving the program mainly by mail-out.