Preliminary evidence suggests that sequentially changing smoking alongside other risk behaviors was more effective than simultaneous change .
Follow-up period and intervention characteristics impacted effectiveness for some outcomes .
Interventions comprising education ( e.g. , providing information about behaviors associated with health risks ) and skills training ( e.g. , teaching skills that equip participants to engage in less risky behavior ) and targeting multiple risk behaviors concurrently are associated with small changes in diet and physical activity .
Although on average smoking was reduced , it appeared changes in smoking were negatively associated with changes in other behaviors , suggesting it may not be optimal to target smoking simultaneously with other risk behaviors
CONTEXT Multiple risk behaviors are common and associated with developing chronic conditions such as heart disease , cancer , or Type 2 diabetes .
Physical activity and nutrition behavioural outcomes of a home-based intervention program for seniors: a randomized controlled trial
Background This intervention aim ed to ascertain whether a low-cost , accessible , physical activity and nutrition program could improve physical activity and nutrition behaviours of insufficiently active 60–70 year olds residing in Perth , Australia . Methods A 6-month home-based r and omised controlled trial was conducted on 478 older adults ( intervention , n = 248 ; control , n = 230 ) of low to medium socioeconomic status . Both intervention and control groups completed postal question naires at baseline and post-program , but only the intervention participants received project material s. A modified fat and fibre question naire measured nutritional behaviours , whereas  physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Question naire . Generalised estimating equation models were used to assess the repeated outcomes over both time points . Results The final sample consisted of 176 intervention participants and 199 controls ( response rate 78.5 % ) with complete data . After controlling for demographic and other confounding factors , the intervention group demonstrated increased participation in strength exercise ( p < 0.001 ) , walking ( p = 0.029 ) and vigorous activity ( p = 0.015 ) , together with significant reduction in mean sitting time ( p < 0.001 ) relative to controls . Improvements in nutritional behaviours for the intervention group were also evident in terms of fat avoidance ( p < 0.001 ) , fat intake ( p = 0.021 ) and prevalence of frequent fruit intake ( p = 0.008 ) . Conclusions A minimal contact , low-cost and home-based physical activity program can positively influence seniors ’ physical activity and nutrition behaviours . Trial registration anzctr.org.au Identifier :
Preliminary evidence suggests that sequentially changing smoking alongside other risk behaviors was more effective than simultaneous change .
Follow-up period and intervention characteristics impacted effectiveness for some outcomes .
Interventions comprising education ( e.g. , providing information about behaviors associated with health risks ) and skills training ( e.g. , teaching skills that equip participants to engage in less risky behavior ) and targeting multiple risk behaviors concurrently are associated with small changes in diet and physical activity .
Although on average smoking was reduced , it appeared changes in smoking were negatively associated with changes in other behaviors , suggesting it may not be optimal to target smoking simultaneously with other risk behaviors
CONTEXT Multiple risk behaviors are common and associated with developing chronic conditions such as heart disease , cancer , or Type 2 diabetes .