title: Effectiveness of early identification and electronic interventions for teens with risk factors for the development of heart disease and diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Serum risk factors for the development of heart disease and diabetes are not routinely evaluated in teens. The intent of this study was to determine the prevalence of these risk factors in teens and evaluate the effectiveness of a two-part electronic education program (recurring electronic lifestyle education program [REEP]) on reducing risks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Teens (n = 170) were recruited from one urban and one rural high school in the mid-Atlantic in 2014. Following baseline data collection in February, REEP was initiated and data collection repeated at 12 weeks. Data were analyzed and students sent a report with results and recommendations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One or more serum and/or physical risk factors were found in the majority of students with low vitamin D and elevated body mass index (BMI) being the most common. Correlations existed between elevated BMI and elevated diastolic blood pressure, low vitamin D, and low high-density lipoprotein. All but one risk factor (BMI) improved at 12 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of teens had one or more physical and/or serum risk factors. Using multiple electronic methods to deliver healthy lifestyle recommendations helps lower these risks. Also, Blackboard, an electronic learning platform, was found to be an effective data management and communication center.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Webber
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine.
authors.forename: Wallace
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Marsh
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.
authors.forename: Lorena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.affiliation: Opal Medical Group, Hagerstown, Maryland.
authors.forename: Jasmine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute, LLC, Clear Spring, Maryland.
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McMullan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Behavior modification; adolescents; cardiovascular risk; diabetes; early intervention; risk modification; technology