Modifying Health Behavior to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases: A Nationwide Survey among German Primary Care Physicians

• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110404218
• Publication Date: 2014-04-15T17:23:16Z
• Authors: Sven Schneider; Katharina Diehl; Christina Bock; Raphael Herr; Manfred Mayer; Tatiana Görig
• Keywords: Reimbursement; Primary Prevention

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major public health concern as they the leading cause of death in developed countries. Primary care is considered to be ideal setting for CVD prevention. Therefore, more than 4,000 German primary physicians (PCPs) were asked about their attitudes towards and activities regarding prevention nationwide ÄSP-kardio Study. The focus study was on behavior modification. Two thirds participating PCPs stated that routinely provided brief inventions assist patients reducing both tobacco (72%) alcohol (61%) consumption, encourage them increase levels physical activity (72%), adjusting healthy diet (66%), achieving body weight (69%). However, only between 23% (quitting smoking) 49% (diet modification) felt had been successful helping modify lifestyles. Insufficient reimbursement, cultural diversity lack time reported most problematic barriers intervention setting. Despite these obstacles, majority engaged reduce incidence progression CVD.