| Summary: | Diet modification is the principal therapy endorsed for reducing elevated blood lipid
levels; however, efforts promoting "compliance" are often unsuccessful. This study used a
constructivist paradigm and grounded theory methodology to explore the process of lipid-lowering
dietary change. Fourteen hyperlipidemic adults were recruited from a hospital-based
outpatient lipid clinic program in Vancouver, British Columbia. All informants had high blood
lipid levels, were free of signs of heart disease, and were in the action stage of dietary change
(i.e., they were actively modifying one or more of their eating behaviours). The informants
were interviewed at least twice to learn about their experiences with lipid-lowering dietary
change and generate a theoretical framework of the change process. In depth face-to-face
interviews and telephone interviews generated a rich qualitative data base on the process of
dietary change as experienced by hyperlipidemic adults. Multiple stages of simultaneous data
collection, analysis and interpretation produced a theoretical framework and conceptual model
describing the process of dietary change.
A conceptual model was developed to explain how the informants experienced the
process of dietary change. Being motivated, finding personal meaning for change, making a
personal commitment to change and various personal characteristics were important driving
factors in terms of initiating and maintaining the change process. Making changes involved
experimenting and making compromises in order to find a personally acceptable balance
between enjoying life and making enough changes to achieve desirable outcomes. Cycles of
slipping and getting back on track were also part of the process. Factors which helped or
interfered with making changes and some corresponding coping strategies were also
identified. The findings of this study showed that dietary change is not about adhering to the
prescriptions of others, but about making one's own decisions about what is best for oneself.
By considering the decision making role of individuals undergoing change, nutrition educators
can help clients make reasoned decisions about health-related behaviours. === Land and Food Systems, Faculty of === Graduate
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