An integrated method of therapeutic lifestyle change for older adults with dyslipidaemia

- We found a basic technique model for improving patients with dyslipidaemia.
- It is beneficial for patients' life quality and attitudes towards chronic disease.
- The model has the advantage of controlling chronic disease among the elderly population.
- The gradual, multiple, overlapped effect is the typical treatment for dyslipidaemia.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of therapeutic lifestyle change with a non-pharmacological intervention method in older adults with dyslipidaemia.Study designStratified randomized trial.MethodsParticipants with dyslipidaemia (n = 214) aged ≥60 years were randomized to the conventional guide group, the educational course (EC) group, the telephone call (PC) group or the PC + EC group for 24 weeks. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the knowledge, attitude and practice score for serum lipids were measured at baseline (T1), mid-intervention (week 12, T2) and post-intervention (week 24, T3).ResultsExcept the conventional guide group (n = 62), the PC group (n = 56), the EC group (n = 49) and the PC + EC group (n = 47) showed significant intra-group differences in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and knowledge, attitude and practice score after the intervention. The improvements were most prominent and sustained over time in the PC + EC group at post-intervention.ConclusionsThe PC + EC method is more efficient for improving serum lipids and enhancing health awareness than any single programme in older adults with dyslipidaemia. This overlapped therapeutic lifestyle change method may serve as a cost-effective adjunct and ensure the continuity of high-quality health services for patients with dyslipidaemia.