Familial Similarities of Changes in Cognitive, Behavioral, and Physiological Variables in a Cardiovascular Health Promotion Program

Abstract

A number of studies have demonstrated that physiological and behavioral cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors aggregate within families. This fact, and the potential mediating role that the family plays in behavior change, have led to the development of family-based CVD risk reduction programs, including the San Diego Family Health Project. The aggregation of behavioral, physiological, and cognitive changes within families was assessed during a 1-year intervention. We found evidence of modest but significant aggregation of change. There was more aggregation of change in behavioral variables than in physiological or cognitive variables. More significant correlations were found among 3-day food record measures than among 24-hour recall dietary measures, suggesting an influence of assessment method. Aggregation of change within families was stronger within generations than across generations. These data point to the importance of involving all age groups in health promotion programs.