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Effectiveness and hazards of case finding for a high cholesterol concentration
1Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Newcastle, Australia.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 16, 1990
Summary
Individuals with high cholesterol concentrations (greater than 6.5 mmol/l) are more likely to change their diet after case finding. However, this approach may hinder population-wide dietary fat reduction strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Dietary Management
Background:
- Elevated blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Effective strategies are needed to manage cholesterol levels in the adult population.
- Case finding for high cholesterol aims to identify individuals for targeted intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient follow-up and dietary changes after case finding for high blood cholesterol.
- To determine if individuals without high cholesterol are discouraged from dietary modification.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study involving 552 adults aged 25-65 in seven Australian general practices.
- Participants had their blood cholesterol measured 3-4 months prior.
- Analysis of postal questionnaires assessing return to doctor, dietary advice recall, and reported dietary changes.
Main Results:
- 82% of individuals with cholesterol > 6.5 mmol/l returned to their doctor, and 83% recalled dietary advice.
- 75% of subjects with high cholesterol reported dietary changes, compared to 46% and 17% in lower risk groups.
- A common reason for not changing diet was believing cholesterol levels were acceptable.
Conclusions:
- Case finding for high cholesterol leads to increased dietary changes in identified individuals.
- This targeted approach may potentially conflict with broader public health strategies for fat intake reduction.
- The study highlights the impact of individual risk perception on dietary behavior.