Ayrshire and Arran coronary prevention programme--baseline risk factor survey

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Scotland exhibits exceptionally high rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in both genders.
• The Ayrshire and Arran health board area specifically shows male CHD mortality rates exceeding the Scottish average across all four of its local government districts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a baseline assessment of lifestyle and coronary risk factors within four specific districts of the Ayrshire and Arran health board area.
• To inform the strategic direction and targeting of an upcoming Prevention Programme's 'Healthy Heart Campaign'.
• To provide a foundation for evaluating lifestyle modifications and risk factor changes over a 5-10 year period.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive lifestyle and coronary risk factor survey was conducted in the identified districts.
• The survey methodology is designed for potential replication in evaluating other CHD prevention programs.
• Data collection aligns with the broader Scottish Heart Health Study, incorporating information from 20 additional districts.

Main Results:

• The survey identified specific lifestyle and coronary risk factors prevalent in the target population.
• Data collected will serve as a crucial baseline for measuring the impact of the 'Healthy Heart Campaign'.
• Findings are being disseminated to all Scottish mainland health boards, contributing to national health initiatives.

Conclusions:

• The survey provides essential data for the effective implementation and targeting of the 'Healthy Heart Campaign'.
• The established baseline will enable robust evaluation of the program's success in reducing CHD risk factors.
• The survey's methodological approach offers a transferable model for future public health interventions and evaluations.