Prediction of dietary adherence in cholesterol reduction: Relative contribution of personality variables and health attitudes

The purpose of this study was to identify personality and health attitude v ariables that might predict adherence to a cholesterol-reducing diet. After taking a battery of psychological inventories, 66 subjects entered a 26 week diet program. Adherence indices included attendance rate at schedul ed appointments, changes in diet, and changes in serum cholesterol levels. Of the 55 subjects with complete data, 7 dropped out, 7 attended inconsiste ntly, and 41 completed the program. Drop-outs scored significantly lower on the Health Belief measures of seriousness, susceptibility, and benefits. I mprovement in serum cholesterol was positively correlated with the Health B elief Benefits Scale and negatively correlated with the Health Locus of Con trol chance scale. Dietary reduction in saturated fat was positively associ ated with the Health Belief Seriousness and Benefits Scales. Health attitudes and beliefs were better predictors of adherence than perso nality trait measures.