Examining service participation and outcomes from a population-level telephone-coaching service supporting changes to healthy eating, physical activity and weight: A comparison of participants with and without a mental health condition

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101609
• Publication Date: 2021-10-19T16:14:53Z
• Authors: Tegan Bradley; Kate Bartlem; Kim Colyvas; Paula Wye; Elizabeth Campbell; Kate Reid; Jenny Bowman
• Keywords: Health coaching; Weight management

Population-level telephone coaching services provide accessible behaviour change support for modifiable health risk behaviours. The NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service® (GHS) is a free telephone-based service in Australia, supporting improvements healthy eating, physical activity achieving or maintaining weight. This study compared measures of participation (such as program completion) outcomes achieved immediate post-program (including changes fruit vegetable consumption, weight) GHS participants with without self-identified mental condition (MHC). Secondary data analysis was conducted on collected at intake completion individuals who enrolled between January 2018 October 2019 (n = 5,629); 33% identified having had an MHC. While those MHC similar rates completion, were less likely to complete (31% vs 36%, p .003). Participants made significant positive their (walking moderate), weight BMI, but not waist circumference vigorous activity. When comparing the magnitude MHC, greater (adjusted mean difference -0.623 kg, .034) daily -0.199 serves; .01). There no differences other variables. effective means people program. Further research should consider improving retention rates.