Partners in lowering cholesterol: comparison of a multidisciplinary educational program, monetary incentives, or usual care in the treatment of dyslipidemia identified among employees.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to assess whether either a low-cost educational intervention or small monetary incentive is more effective than usual care in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol among employees.


METHODS
Employees with an LDL-C >130 mg/dL were eligible. After receiving on-line educational materials, subjects were assigned to three groups: group 1 received dollar 100 if they reduced their LDL-C by 15% within 6 months, group 2 participated in a multi-disciplinary educational program, and group 3 received no further intervention.


RESULTS
In total, 171 employees participated. Baseline mean LDL-C was 156 mg/dL. Approximately 6 months after randomization, mean LDL-C was reduced 17.9 mg/dL (11.3%) in group 1, 17.9 mg/dL (11.5%) in group 2, and 5.5 mg/dL (3.5%) in group 3. Reductions in groups 1 and 2 were statistically superior to group 3 (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Both an employer directed low-cost educational program and small monetary incentives similarly lowered LDL-C compared with usual care.
Bloch
Michael J
MJ
Department of Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine & Risk Reduction Center, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Reno 89511, USA. mbloch@aol.com
Armstrong
David S
DS
Dettling
Lisa
L
Hardy
Aaron
A
Caterino
Karen
K
Barrie
Sandie
S
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000032:analysis*; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000628:therapy*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL