The effect of interventional strategies on changing lifestyle of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program in low educated women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in women. Educational programs with life style development goal can decrease CVD and its risk factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference of the impact of Women Healthy Heart Project on CVD risk factors, as well as physical/biochemical parameters on women base on education levels. Method and material: Women healthy heart program was a community-based intervention study that conducted over 5 years (2002-2007) in the counties of Isfahan and Najafabad (intervention areas) and Arak (control). Pre-study situation analysis of women above 18 years old was followed by 5 years of wide-ranging interventions (educational/environmental) conducted by various organizations using different methodologies. The interventions were aimed at modifying/improving lifestyle by increasing physical activity, encouraging healthy eating, and tobacco use cessation. The organizations involved in performing the interventions included health/treatment centers and the Literacy Campaign Organization. Demographic data, obesity index, smoking, physical activity and eating habit were assessed before and after the study. All subjects were divided in two groups according number of year’s education (0-5 and ≥6 years education). Data were entered in SPSS-15 and were evaluated using Student’s t-test, chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results: findings of this study showed that 5 years intervention can be caused decreasing in physical and biochemical indexes such as lipid profile, dietary behaviors, waist and waist to hip ratio(p=0.00). At first 6391 subjects and after Intervention 4786 women participated. After Interventions, women with higher level education were showed significant decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.01) and dislipidemia (p=0.02).Conclusion: Our study showed that community – based interventions even in low educated women can be caused effective changes on improving life style and CVD risk factors. As for most effect of intervention on educated women, there should be organized more comprehensive intervention in our society to decreasing the prevalence of non communicable diseases.