title: Small, blue collar work site hypertension screening: a cost-effectiveness study.
abstract: This study determined the cost-effectiveness of one- versus two-stage hypertension screening at small to medium-sized blue collar, multicultural work sites using voluntary health organization and public health unit personnel. Workers with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > or = 90 mm Hg were randomly allocated to one- or two-stage screening with differing physician referral protocols based on blood pressure level and treatment status. At first screening of 7856 workers, 12.5% had DBP > or = 90 mm Hg or < 90 and on medication with 64% aware of having hypertension, 42% on medication and 30% controlled (DBP < 90 mm Hg). One year later, there were no significant differences in effects or cost-effectiveness between groups. Both had significant DBP decrease (8.5 mm Hg), 54% had seen a physician within the recommended time, and 50% were controlled on medication or any treatment. One-stage screening, being easier to implement, is the preferred option.
authors.affiliation: Ottawa-Carleton Health Department, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Koblin
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Irvine
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Legare
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Logan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D009864:Ontario