Educating NPs to educate patients: cholesterol screening in pediatric primary care

This study described practices, knowledge, and attitudes of primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) in Minnesota regarding cholesterol screening in children and adolescents.

A survey including 22 questions pertaining to cholesterol screening, adapted from a telephone survey used by Arneson, Luepker, Pirie, and Sinaiko (1992), was mailed to pediatric and family NPs. Eighty-three of 221 surveys (38%) were completed, returned, and used for data analysis.

Although 96% of the respondents value childhood cholesterol levels as indicators of the risk of developing adult cardiovascular disease, only 64% follow the current recommendation to selectively screen cholesterol levels in patients who have a parent with hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, only 55% of the respondents screen patients with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, and only 58% screen patients with other cardiac risk factors. Whereas 57% of respondents correctly identified an acceptable total cholesterol level for children, only 34% correctly identified an acceptable LDL cholesterol level.

Gaps in knowledge and practice may prevent NPs from implementing recommended guidelines for childhood cholesterol screening. Educating NPs about cholesterol screening is necessary to ensure the comprehensive cardiac health assessment and management of pediatric patients.