Couples Partnering for Lipid Enhancing Strategies (CouPLES) – a randomized, controlled trial
Author Information
Author(s): Corrine I Voils, William S Yancy Jr, Stacey Kovac, Cynthia J Coffman, Morris Weinberger, Eugene Z Oddone, Amy Jeffreys, Santanu Datta, Hayden B Bosworth
Primary Institution: Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Hypothesis
An 11-month, telephone-based patient-spouse intervention will result in a greater reduction in LDL-C as compared to printed education materials.
Conclusion
The CouPLES intervention may help patients lower their LDL-C levels by teaching spouses to provide emotional and instrumental support.
Supporting Evidence
- Almost 50% of Americans have elevated LDL-C levels.
- Interventions that teach spouses to provide support may help patients adhere to health behaviors.
- Patients who are involved in their treatment decisions are more likely to adhere to their health plans.
Takeaway
This study is about helping people lower their bad cholesterol by getting their spouses involved in their health journey.
Methodology
Veteran outpatients with above-goal LDL-C and their spouses are randomized to receive either printed education materials or those materials plus an 11-month, nurse-delivered, telephone-based intervention.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from the self-selection of participants and the reliance on self-reported measures.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to younger populations or those without spouses, and it relies on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
Married veterans, primarily older males.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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