[Benefits of an educational intervention on diet and anthropometric profile of women with one cardiovascular risk factor]

Abstract

Background and objective: To assess whether an educational intervention in perimenopausal women with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidaemia would improve adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern and achieve changes in anthropometric parameters.

Patients: Randomized clinical trial of parallel groups: 320 women (45-60 years) in 2 urban primary care services.

Variables studied: hip and waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), total, visceral and trunk fat (bioimpedance measures) and adherence to Mediterranean diet (MEDAS-14 questionnaire). Intervention group: 3 interactive workshops on prevention of cardiovascular disease, and control group: information by post.

Results: Two hundred and thirty women completed the study (113 control group and 117 intervention group). The differences between groups were significant in all parameters one year later. In the intragroup comparison, the intervention group maintained their BMI and improved adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The control group increased their BMI, abdominal and hip circumference and fat parameters (total, visceral and trunk fat).

Conclusions: A simple educational intervention in perimenopausal women with cardiovascular risk can improve their healthy habits.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Dieta mediterránea; Educación en salud; Enfermedad cardiovascular; Health education; Mediterranean diet; Menopause; Menopausia; Mujeres; Women.