<i>Objective</i> - To assess a computer assisted nurse centred model for the measurement and modification of cardiovascular risk factors in general practice. <i>Design</i> - An open prospective study analysed using descriptive and comparative statistics. <i>Subjects</i> - 80504 patients who attended 18 health centres throughout the UK for opportunistic cardiovascular risk factor intervention. <i>Results</i> - The screened population comprised 36751 males (mean age 41.6 years) and 43753 females (mean age 40.7 years). The mean cholestrol level was 5.7 mM in both males and females. 25% of men and 24% of women had cholesterol levels ≥6.5 mM. The mean systolic/diastolic blood pressures were 130/81 mm Hg for men and 124/77 mm Hg for women. The mean body mass index for males was 25.3 kg/m^2 and for females 24.7 kg/m^2. 9% of men and 12% of women were classified as obese (<i>grades II or III</i>). 36% of males smoked compared to 33% of females. 80% of men were current drinkers as were 59% of women. 20% of men were classified as heavy drinkers compared to 4% of women. A composite risk score was used to assess all of the relevant risk factors at screening. 22% of males and 24% of females gave a positive family history in a first degree relative under 55 years of age. 6% of all patients were taking antihypertensive medication compared to 0.1% on lipid lowering drugs. Patterns of recruitment were examined and primary care staff accounted for 56% of referrals, friends and relatives encouraged 23% to attend, and self referrals amounted to 14%. <i>Conclusions</i> - The study succeeded in identifying the prevalence and nature of cardiovascular risk factors in a general practice population. Evidence of worthwhile reductions in risk factors was obtained. Patterns of recruitment and default were elucidated. The model constitutes a useful application of computers in primary care beyond the boundary of the individual practice. Further information from randomised controlled trials of cardiovascular risk factor intervention is awaited.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:593353 |
| Date | January 1992 |
| Creators | Ritchie, L. D. |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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