%0 Journal Article
%T Development of a Composite Lifestyle Index and Its Relationship to Quality of Life Improvement: The CLI Pilot Study
%A Thomas L. Lenz
%A Nicole D. Gillespie
%A Jessica J. Skradski
%A Laura K. Viereck
%A Kathleen A. Packard
%A Michael S. Monaghan
%J ISRN Preventive Medicine
%D 2013
%R 10.5402/2013/481030
%X An important component to optimal health is quality of life (QOL). Several healthy lifestyle behaviors have independently shown to improve QOL. The simultaneous implementation of multiple lifestyle behaviors is thought to be difficult, and the current literature lacks the assessment of multiple lifestyle behaviors simultaneously with respect to the effect on QOL. This current pilot study sought to develop a method to quantify multiple lifestyle behaviors into a single index value. This value was then measured with QOL for a possible correlation. The results showed that it is possible to convert multiple raw healthy lifestyle data points into a composite value and that an improvement in this value correlates to an improved QOL. After 12 months of participation in a cardiovascular risk reduction program, study participants ( ) demonstrated a 37.4% ( ) improvement in the composite lifestyle index (CLI). The improved CLI demonstrated a correlation with a statistically significant improvement in how participants rated their overall health in 12 months ( , ) as well as the number of self-reported unhealthy days per month in 12 months ( , ). 1. Introduction Since 1948, the World Health Organization has defined health not only by the absence of disease or infirmity, but also as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being [1]. This definition implies that research outcomes should not only measure disease outcomes, but also quality of life outcomes. Measuring health-related quality of life provides a means of identifying and monitoring the impact of interventions on the physical and mental health of individuals as they themselves perceive this impact [2]. Quality of life may be measured objectively based on functioning or health status and subjectively based on one¡¯s own perception of health [3]. A number of lifestyle modifications including adequate nutrition, increased physical activity, adequate sleep, proper stress management, limited alcohol consumption, and tobacco cessation have been independently shown to have a positive effect on an individual¡¯s quality of life [2¨C13]. It is often assumed that initiating multiple behavior changes at the same time can become overwhelming for individuals and lead to decreased adherence. However, a recent study has shown that patients are able to effectively incorporate and maintain a number of lifestyle modifications initiated concomitantly [11]. The PREMIER clinical trial showed that participants could effectively incorporate and sustain multiple lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure risk and decrease
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.preventive.medicine/2013/481030/