Lifestyle Medicine in Oklahoma: Utilization and Perceptions Among Healthcare Providers

Abstract

Oklahoma ranks among the lowest U.S. states in life expectancy, largely due to chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and tobacco-related illnesses. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) offers evidence-based interventions to address these conditions. This study assessed primary care providers’ perceptions, comfort, and utilization of LM practices in Oklahoma. A cross-sectional survey was administered to primary health care providers practicing in Oklahoma (n = 114). The survey evaluated LM practice patterns, domain-specific comfort, and perceived barriers to LM interventions. Descriptive analyses and linear regression examined associations with demographic and practice characteristics.Most respondents valued LM competencies; however, gaps existed between perceived importance and practice, especially in stress management, sleep, and social connection. Comfort was high for diet, physical activity, and sleep, but usage was lower. Barriers included difficulty changing patient behavior, poor compliance, limited time, and inadequate reimbursement. Rural practice, fewer years since residency, and prior LM training were associated with higher LM utilization in univariate analyses but not in adjusted models. Oklahoma primary care providers recognize the importance of LM but underutilize these practices, highlighting systemic barriers. Expanding training, team-based care, and supportive reimbursement may improve LM integration, potentially reducing the state’s chronic disease burden.