Gemeinschaftsmedizin und Gesundheitserziehung

Abstrakt

U.S. Chronic Disease Prevention Approaches and Recommendations

Amy R. Beaudreault, Julie Shlisky and Mireille Mclean

Chronic disease (CD) and disability account for nearly half of the U.S. burden of disease. CD-associated risk factors respond to behavior change interventions; yet, evidenced-based approaches in CD prevention are limited. This study describes perceived effective approaches and recommendations for CD prevention in the United States, focusing on seven risk factors: poor diet and adiposity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, mental illness, poor medication adherence, high alcohol consumption, and excess salt intake. Utilizing a step-wise qualitative methodology consisting of one-on-one interviews (n=74) and a consensus building workshop of CD experts (N=24), the following five CD prevention approaches were identified: increase of government policy and regulations, change in the built environment, installment and improvement in workplace wellness programs, higher-value in community-based health initiatives, and use of technology in behavior change adoption. The most actionable and consensual strategies to prevent CDs in the United States were changes in the built environment and a higher-value in community-based health initiatives.