Effectiveness of the Complete Health Improvement Program in Reducing Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in an Appalachian Population.

CONTEXT In 11 counties in Appalachian Ohio, the self-reported prevalence of diabetes mellitus (11.3%) is higher than the state (7.8%) or national (7.2%) average. Direct medical costs for diabetes in the United States are estimated at $176 billion annually. Indirect costs from disability, work loss, and premature death add up to another $69 billion. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a sample of Appalachian participants with elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels or a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS In a retrospective study, data from 6 CHIP cohorts conducted in Appalachian Ohio from 2011 to 2012 were combined and analyzed for short-term changes in CVD risk factors from baseline. This study focused on a subsample of the overall CHIP, whose participants had elevated FBG levels or T2DM. Statistical analysis was completed by calculating means and SDs and using paired t tests to compare differences in variables. RESULTS After the CHIP intervention, 110 participants with baseline elevated FBG levels showed notable reductions in FBG levels, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure (all P values <.001). Likewise, participants in the subsample with T2DM experienced reductions in all CVD risk factors (all P values <.05). CONCLUSION The CHIP lifestyle intervention was effective in reducing CVD risk factors in this Appalachian population with elevated FBG levels or with T2DM.