Prevention information: Patient perceptions regarding general and race-based instruction

Introduction: The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are well-known. However, translating such information into behavior change is challenging. We explored patient perception in regard to how frequently this information is being disseminated, whether it may alter patient behavior, and whether information tailored to race versus general information is desirable. Methods: Consecutive patients were asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire directly prior to an outpatient cardiologist visit from 2006-2007. Six Likert scale questions were asked regarding physician education, its impact on behavior change, and the potential of race-based information to cause additional behavior change. Results: Two hundred and six patients were queried, and 150 subjects completed the questionnaire. Mean age was 59 (+/- 16) years, and 36% of the patients were men. Overall, 85% of patients reported being educated about lifestyle change. A large majority (greater than two-thirds) of the responders agreed or strongly agreed that education helps them make lifestyle changes, and that race-based information would be superior to general, non-race-based information in motivating lifestyle change. The responses were significantly higher than a hypothetical neutral score (p < .001) using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Conclusions: As a team, physicians are doing a good job disseminating preventive information. Patients report that this information does or will translate into behavior change. Information tailored to race appears to provide a superior impetus for the adoption of behavior change. Ongoing tailored education regarding a healthy lifestyle is warranted. Whether this information will lead to actual behavior change or to changes in clinical events requires further study.