Measuring blood cholesterol in the community: participant characteristics by site

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Abstract
National programs for cholesterol education, coupled with technological innovations in rapid blood cholesterol measuremen, have spawned growing interest in community blood-cholesterol screening programs. Data are presented on characteristics of first-time participants in cholesterol screening, counseling and referral events (SCOREs) in Pawtucket, RI. From April, 1986 to February, 1987, 186 SCOREs at work sites, churches, the project office, low-income housing projects and a variety of community locations were attended by 5616 people. Women were more likely to attend church and housing project SCOREs while 71% of worksite participants were male. Younger participants were more likely to be seen at worksite SCOREs, while older adults weremore frequent at office and community SCOREs. Overall, 62% of participants had a blood cholesterol level above National Institutes for Health 1984 age-specific ‘goal’ level cut-points. Pawtucket Heart Health Program office and community SCOREs were most likely to identify moderate and high-risk cholesterol levels. Thus, the specific site attracted different segments of the population. This type of partici pant profile is important if specific segments of the population are being targeted for screening programs. In addition, these results indicate that multiple channels should be emplyed in planning and delivering blood-cholesterol screening and education programs if the goal is to reach a representative cross-section of the population.

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