CVD Risk Reduction Trial (COHRT)

• Psychometric assessment of change in exercise, diet and smoking [ Time Frame: Post-treatment and 6-month follow-up ]
  

• SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and 10-year absolute CVD risk [ Time Frame: 6-month follow-up ]
  
• Psychometric assessment of symptoms of depression, psychological stress, and social support. [ Time Frame: post-treatment and 6-month follow-up ]
  

COHRT was a 2 parallel-group randomized controlled trial that was designed to assess the efficacy of a community outreach strategy for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction among individuals at elevated risk for CV events. Randomization was stratified for diagnosis of CHD, type 1 or 2 diabetes, sex, and clinical depression, and blocked within our northern, rural, and urban recruitment sites. A 2X3 mixed factorial design was utilized: 2 Groups (Usual Care, UC/Lifestyle Counselling,LC) X 3 Intervals (Baseline, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up). All subjects received personal CVD risk factor feedback and standardized handouts on heart healthy lifestyle change. The LC group received 6 weekly 1-hour sessions of lifestyle counseling that was provided via teleconference in small groups (4-8 persons). Group facilitators were trained in a manualized protocol of motivational interviewing that was designed for CVD risk reduction through lifestyle change. Weekly supervision was also provided. We hypothesized that the LC group (vs. UC) would significantly increase protective health behavior (exercise, diet, smoke-free living) at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. The secondary hypothesis was that LC would significantly reduce (1) CVD risk factors, (SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol), (2) 10-year absolute risk among subjects without CVD, and (3) significantly increase quality of life as measured by symptoms of depression, psychological stress, and social support.