Lifestyle Medicine Education in Health Professionals Curricula: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Underlying NCDs are modifiable risk factors, which may be targeted through Lifestyle Medicine (LM). LM is an evidence-based and clinical discipline that supports healthy lifestyle habits. Much of LM integration in practice is rooted in the education afforded within health professional's curricula. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of LM educational interventions within health professional's curricula on knowledge, competence, self-efficacy/confidence and skills. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Random Effect Meta-analysis. A total of 14 studies were included. Interventions centered around substance use, nutrition and physical activity with no studies obtained on the sleep health, stress management and social connectedness pillars. Interventions showed a positive impact on improving knowledge standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.71 (95% CI: 0.25-1.18), self-esteem/self-confidence SMD: 1.34 (95% CI: 0.61-2.07), and outcome practice SMD: 0.78 (95% CI 0.29-1.26). There was insufficient power to provide reliable estimates for the attitude outcome. Integrating LM educational interventions within health professional's curricula is promising and recommended to better equip trainees and future health care providers to support patients with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.