Changes in knowledge and food behaviour following a screening program held in a supermarket

We examined the relationship between knowledge, health beliefs and dietary behaviours of participants in a supermarket cardiovascular screening program, the conceptual framework for which was the Health Belief Model. 3,432 individuals aged 18-74 participated in the screening program conducted in 54 supermarkets in Montreal and Quebec. This program identified participants' risk for cardiovascular disease by measuring total serum cholesterol, blood pressure, height, weight, level of physical activity, and tobacco use. A ten-minute debriefing counselling session interpreted risk factors and recommended follow-up. 70% (n = 2,420) also completed a nutrition questionnaire on knowledge, health beliefs, and frequency of consumption of high fat foods. Respondents increased their knowledge and reduced the frequency of consumption of high-fat foods following the screening program (p < or = 0.05), particularly individuals with higher blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and women.