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Cardiovascular disease risk assessment and prevention in blood donors
Debra A Kessler1, Caroline Ortiz, Kathleen Grima
1New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk screening at blood drives identified risk factors in many donors. The program was well-received, motivating lifestyle changes and increasing donation likelihood.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Community Medicine
Background:
- Blood centers integrate public health initiatives, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening.
- These initiatives aim to enhance donor and community well-being and encourage blood donation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and impact of CVD risk screening and counseling within mobile blood drive settings.
- To evaluate participant reception and initial health behavior changes following screening.
Main Methods:
- CVD risk factors were assessed via point-of-care testing (cholesterol, HbA1c), interviews, and physical exams (BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure).
- Screening and confidential counseling were provided at mobile drives in diverse communities.
- A 60-day follow-up survey assessed participant outcomes, including healthcare seeking and lifestyle modification.
Main Results:
- Over 11 months, 2406 participants were screened; 67% were from minority racial/ethnic groups.
- A significant proportion of participants, including 72% of teenagers, had at least one CVD risk factor.
- Follow-up revealed 21% sought medical care, 51% intended lifestyle changes, and 48% were more likely to donate.
Conclusions:
- CVD risk screening is feasible and effective within mobile blood drive operations.
- The program positively impacted participant health awareness and behaviors, with high satisfaction rates.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term health outcomes and donor retention.
Background:
Blood centers have implemented public health initiatives, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening, to improve donor and community health and serve as an incentive to donate.
Study Design And Methods:
CVD risk screening and counseling were performed at mobile blood drives in diverse neighborhoods. Risk factors were determined by point-of-care testing (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and hemoglobin A1c levels), interviews, and physical examinations (body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure). Results were confidentially relayed to participant by health counselors. A 60-day follow-up survey was sent to some participants.
Results:
Over 11 months, 2406 participants (44% male; mean age 28 ± 16; 67% minority racial/ethnic group) were screened at 290 mobile drives. A total of 92% of participants had medical insurance. A total of 14% had none, 26% one, 33% two, and 27% three or more risk factors. A total of 72% of teenage participants had at least one risk factor. A total of 18% of participants who were taking medications for risks were poorly controlled. A total of 15% had newly identified risks. A total of 711 participants completed follow-up survey: 21% sought medical care, 51% were motivated to change their lifestyle, 81% were pleased with screening, 48% were more likely to donate, and 62% recommended donation to friends and family because of the screening.
Conclusion:
CVD risk screening and counseling can occur during a mobile blood drive. A majority of participants screened had risk factors. Follow-up surveys showed that the program was well received. Further studies are planned to evaluate long-term effects of the program on donor health and donor return rates.
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