Dedalo Study Protocol: the Evaluation of a Community-level Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention Effectiveness

BACKGROUND. The reduction of the non-transmissible diseases (NCDs) is a priority for the health community and for the economical sustainability of the healthcare system. In fact, the NCDs are the main global cause of death. It is demonstrated that many NCDs are lifestyle related; notable, even small lifestyle changes bring a health outcome improvement. The Italian epidemiological survey PASSI (2013-2016) reveals that the 33% of the population aged 50-69 years old living in Vercelli is self-declared sedentary and the 45% is overweight/obese. The Dedalo project, started in March 2018, is finalized to promote evidence-based healthy behaviors in the Vercelli adult population. In Italy the studies of community multicomponent prevention interventions are few. In this regard, the aim of the study is to evaluate the Dedalo project efficacy in the promotion of lifestyle changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study is a prospective observational one. The socio-economical and behaviors information are detected through an ad hoc questionnaire. The questionnaire is telephone-administered to the population who attended Dedalo activities and to an adult general population sample (40-75 years old) living in Vercelli. The same questionnaire will be administered 12 months later the first interview.

EXPECTED RESULTS. In April 2018 the socio-economics and behaviors description of both the studied population will be available. The fist evaluation of behavioral change will be concluded in April 2019.

CONCLUSIONS. The study will allow to define the efficacy of the community prevention intervention Dedalo is behavioral changes promotion, its capability in involving all the target population promoting equality in health and to improve the community prevention interventions.