Impact of a community-based lifestyle intervention program on health-related quality of life

Abstract

Background: The presence of risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, or the conditions themselves, contributes to lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults. Although community-based lifestyle intervention programs have been shown to be effective for improving risk factors for these diseases, the impact of these interventions on HRQoL has rarely been described.

Purpose: To examine changes in HRQoL following participation in the Group Lifestyle Balance program, a community translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention for adults with prediabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome.

Methods: Participants enrolled in the 12-month, 22-session intervention program (N = 223) completed the EuroQol Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed-effects regression models determined change in EQ-5D-visual analog scale (VAS) and Index scores post-intervention.

Results: Mean EQ-5D-VAS was improved by +7.38 (SE = 1.03) at 6 months and by +6.73 (SE = 1.06) at 12 months post-intervention (both; p < 0.0001). Mean changes in EQ-5D index values were +0.00 (SE = 0.01; NS) and +0.01 (SE = 0.01; p < 0.05), respectively. Adjusted for age, baseline score, and achieving intervention goals, mean change in EQ-5D-VAS was +11.83 (SE = 1.61) at 6 months and +11.23 (SE = 1.54) at 12 months (both; p < 0.0001). Adjusted mean change in EQ-5D index value was +0.04 (SE = 0.01) at 6 months and +0.05 (SE = 0.01) at 12 months (both; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Participation in a community lifestyle intervention program resulted in improved HRQoL among adults with prediabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome. These benefits to HRQoL, together with improved clinical and behavioral outcomes, should increase the appeal of such programs for improving health.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01050205.

Keywords: Physical activity; Type 2 diabetes prevention; Weight.

Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical Standards:

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1

Linear Mixed Model Estimated Pre-Post Intervention Mean Health Rating (EQ-5DVAS) at 6 and 12 Months ǂSolid horizontal line indicates reported U.S. Average=79.2

Figure 2

Participants’ Pre-Post Intervention Perceived Health Change Over the Past 6 Months Reported at Baseline, 6, and 12 Months (N=117)