Cholesterol screening for blood donors: characteristics of screenees and determinants of follow-up behavior.
This study assesses the ability of a blood donor cholesterol screening program to enhance awareness of cholesterol levels among screenees and to promote lifestyle changes and physician follow-up. Beginning in November 1990, all blood donors at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center were offered free cholesterol screening. Each screenee also received educational materials and brief counseling from a nurse. Two weeks after donation, screenees received a postcard with their cholesterol level and information regarding recommended follow-up. Baseline information for all screenees was obtained at the time of donation through a self-administered questionnaire. Follow-up data were collected through structured telephone interviews. During the program's first four months, 1,039 donors (33%) requested cholesterol screening. At baseline, 82.6% of screenees had at least one risk factor for coronary heart disease, and 37% had two or more risk factors. More than one third were unaware of their cholesterol levels. At follow-up, more than 95% indicated that they were aware of their cholesterol levels, and 90% of those with high cholesterol levels had followed up with their physician or made dietary or other lifestyle changes. We conclude that a cholesterol screening and minimal intervention program for blood donors enhances awareness of cholesterol levels and encourages dietary or other lifestyle changes.
Section of General Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417.
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D001782:Blood Donors; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D012307:Risk Factors; D012646:Self Administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002784:Cholesterol