Chronic disease risk screening: characteristics of parents who participate in screening with their children

To characterize adults who participate in a free health screening based on their children's participation in the same program and to identify factors that potentially contribute to their participation.

Child (n = 81,156) and parent (n = 5,257) results from a statewide, school-based project from 1998-2010 were assessed. Parent and child health outcomes including fasting lipids, and body composition were assessed using standardized procedures.

Many mothers enrolled fathers into the program. These mothers had significantly higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels than mothers who participated alone (p < .01). A greater proportion of parents participated in the program if their child had received an abnormal screening than their healthier counterparts (p < .001).

Adult participation in preventive health screening is limited. Identifying successful ways to recruit adults for preventive health screening is necessary given the increased potential for these programs to identify risks and intervene early. Incorporating parent screening into an existing program for children may be a successful recruitment method, particularly for those who may be aware of a family vulnerability to chronic cardiovascular disease.