Peer-group-based Intervention Program

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Spain and worldwide. Interventions targeting dietary patterns, weight reduction and new physical activity habits often result in impressive rates of initial behavior changes, but frequently these are not translated into long term maintenance. We hypothesize that a peer-group intervention, addressing multiple facets of cardiovascular disease risk factor can be successfully implemented improving the adherence of participants to healthy habits. A multicenter, randomized control trial scheme was adopted. A peer-group based intervention approach in which community members support each other to promote health-enhancing changes was chosen. Around 600 participants from 7 Spanish municipalities received a 12h initial training and were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups for a 12-month peer intervention. Baseline measurements took place before and after the initial training. Follow-up measurements will be taken at the end of the intervention and 1 and 2 years after the end of the study. The primary outcome is the improvement in a newly defined score combining 5 individual variables. Secondary outcomes are 1, 2 and 3 years variations in anthropometric parameters and/or healthy behaviors. The project seeks the empowerment of subjects from 25 to 50 years of age to improve their overall health habits and self-control of risk factor through peer education. The initiative is being developed in cooperation with the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN). This study will allow the economic and feasibility evaluation of the intervention, which will enable policy makers to consider its potential wider implementation for a real community-based intervention.