The effect of cholesterol screening on college students

This study was designed to determine the effect of cholesterol screening on college students' knowledge retention and self-reported behavior change. Students (N = 180, age M = 21.4 +/- 4.1 years) enrolled in a self-paced personal fitness course participated in a screening accompanied by two educational handouts and oral information from the technician. Six weeks later, subjects completed a questionnaire that revealed that 76% remembered their exact cholesterol level. Only 36%, however, remembered specifically why their cholesterol level was important, 22% remembered the three National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) categories and values, and only 36% could fully identify their correct NCEP follow-up. Chi-square analyses revealed no significant differences between expected and observed frequencies for gender or cholesterol category by cognitive information retention. Analyses did reveal more self-reported dietary and exercise changes for those testing above 200 mg/dL than for those below 200. Although college students may remember their cholesterol level after 6 weeks and may take some action if they are above the desirable level, the knowledge base established in a typical screening situation appears inadequate. Educational efforts accompanying most screenings should be improved, and some attention should be given to young adults who test at the high end of the desirable category.