Impacto do programa de orientação e mudança alimentar (POMAR) na qualidade de vida de pacientes diagnosticados com hipercolesterolemia familiar heterozigótica

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an orientation and eating behavior change program on quality of life (QoL) in patients diagnosed with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods: A two-arm, prospective, randomized-controlled trial was conducted with patients diagnosed with FH for six months. Those in the POMAR group received an intensive follow-up through one-on-one visits, group counseling sessions, and text messages via a smartphone app. Control group (CG) received usual care. Constructs of the social cognitive theory and the health belief model were employed to design the intervention and support lifestyle change. . The Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) were applied.Anthropometric measures, biochemical profile and food intake were also evaluated at the beginning and after 6-month follow-up. Results: Thirty patients diagnosed with FH (POMAR=15 e CG=15) were selected, mean age 48 years old, majority being women (80%). After the intervention, POMAR group showed a general improvement in QoL, with a significant increase in physical functional (p = 0.042), role physical (p = 0.007), general health (p = 0.001), vitality (p = 0.002) and role emotional (p = 0.039). A raise was also seen in the score of the individual control (p = 0.006) and treatment control (p =0.004) of disease perception. With regard to dietary consumption. a reduction of sodium consumption (p = 0.004) and trans fat (p = 0.006) were identified, promoting an improvement in body composition, with a reduction in BMI (p = 0.033) and body fat area (p <0.001).Conclusion: These results indicate the positive impact of an intensive lifestyle intervention on food intake, illness perception and quality of life. In addition, this multimodal approach program represents an innovative and affordable health promotion and prevention strategy, which should not only be applied to other FH and high-risk groups, but also in the primary care.