Intensive Lifestyle Intervention for Cardiometabolic Prevention Implemented in Healthcare: Higher Risk Predicts Premature Dropout

AimsPatient characteristics and treatment setting are potential predictors of premature dropout from lifestyle interventions, but their relative importance is unknown.MethodsFrom the quality registry of the unit for behavioral medicine, Umeå University hospital, we identified 2589 patients who had been enrolled in a multimodal lifestyle intervention for cardiometabolic risk reduction between 2006 and 2015. Baseline characteristics predicting dropout before 1-year follow-up were selected by a stepwise logistic regression algorithm.ResultsBetter physical health and older age predicted full participation, with odds ratios for premature dropout (ORs) of .44 (95% confidence interval (CI) .31-.63), and .47 (95% CI .34-.65) in the highest compared to the lowest quartile, respectively. Odds of premature dropout were also lower among female participants, .71 (95% CI .58-.89). Premature dropout was predicted by higher BMI, snuffing tobacco, and smoking, with ORs of 1.53 (95% CI 1.13-2.08) in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of BMI, 1.37 (95% CI 1.03-1.81) comparing snuff user with non-users and 2.53 (95% CI 1.79-3.61) comparing smokers with non-smokers. Odds ratio for premature dropout among inpatients compared with outpatients was .84 (95% CI .68-1.04).ConclusionHigher risk at baseline predicts premature dropout.