Psychological determinants of risk behaviours and cardio-metabolic health in a higher risk regional cohort

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global killer, causing more than 17 million deaths in 2015. People living in regional areas fare worse when it comes to health. CVD is largely preventable, with changes in key health behaviours such as diet and exercise having profound effects on lowering CVD risk. A person's beliefs concerning their ability to change behaviours and any subsequent impact on their health may also be important. The aim of this thesis was to explore the associations between health beliefs, behaviours and cardiovascular health in the context of a 12-month nurse-led lifestyle intervention program in a regional population.