A cholesterol screening and education program: Differences between older and younger adults

Abstract

An estimated 24 million older adults are candidates for medical intervention for high blood cholesterol (BC) levels. Currently, little is known about the value of combining BC screening and education approaches for older adults. The current study investigated differences in recall and compliance between older (age 65 and above) and younger (age 18 to 64) individuals who attended a BC SCORE (Screening, Counseling and Referral Event) offered by the Pawtucket Heart Health Program (PHHP). SCORE participants were telephoned four to seven months after their initial SCORE contact to answer a 15-minute survey. With a few exceptions, results showed that older participants did not differ from younger in their recall of dietary, follow-up and referral recommendations. In addition, older participants were as likely as younger to say they changed their diet, contacted their physician and increased exercise as a result of the SCORE; however, more older than younger participants said they returned to PHHP for a follow-up measurement. Overall, there was no age difference in terms of accurate recall of BC level (within 5 mg/dl); however, more younger than older individuals accurately recalled their BC risk category and their exact BC number. Participants who said they visited their physician after the BC SCORE were asked what their physician told them. Physicians were more likely to say that high BC levels were “OK” for older than for younger participants. Implications for future BC screening and education activities that deal with older adults are discussed.