CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND ATTITUDES TO LIFE-STYLE - WHAT DO PATIENTS THINK

Objective-To examine the relation between subjects' level of cardiovas cular risk and their beliefs about the harmfulness of their smoking ha bit, current diet, and level of exercise, together with their stated d esire to modify such behaviour. Design-Self administered postal health and life-style questionnaire followed by a structured health check co nducted by a nurse. Setting-Five general practices in Luton and Dunsta ble, Bedfordshire. Subjects-5803 people aged 35-64 years enrolled in t he OXCHECK trial who attended for a health check before 1 March 1992. Main outcome measures-Perceived risk to health of lifestyle behaviours , desire to modify behaviour, and a reported serious attempt to modify behaviour in the preceding year. Results-A high proportion of smokers and those who were physically inactive perceived their behaviour to b e harmful (1020; (76%; 95% confidence interval 74% to 79%) and 350 (74 %; 70% to 78%) respectively) and wished to modify it (1212 (79%; 77% t o 81%) and 375 (74%; 71% to 78%) respectively). In contrast, only 289 (45%; 41% to 48%) of obese people and 188 (14%; 12% to 16%) of people with a high dietary fat intake perceived their current diet to be harm ful. The more cardiovascular risk factors present, the more likely sub jects were to perceive a health risk attached to their diet and lack o f exercise (p < 0.01 in both cases) and to want to improve their diet. Conclusion-Awareness of the health risk from smoking and motivation t o stop is high. Further efforts are required, however, to educate the public about the risks associated with a high dietary fat intake. Alth ough the health risks of inactivity were widely recognised, motivation to take more exercise needs to be increased.