Community-wide cardiovascular disease prevention in young people

Abstract

The Class of 1989 Study, as part of the Minnesota Heart Health Program, examines 2 cohorts of adolescents in 2 communities in northcentral US. The goal of the study was to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among young people in one of the cohorts through changes in smoking, eating patterns and physical activity levels. Because of its importance as a health behaviour, alcohol use was also addressed, even though it was not a specific target of the Minnesota Heart Health Program. The behaviour patterns of both cohorts were surveyed annually in schools from 1983 to 1989. One cohort additionally was exposed to 5 years of behavioural health education in their schools, peer leadership and a community-wide programme for adults. The behaviour health education curricula focused on skills, competencies, role models and norms for healthier behaviour. Students in the educated cohort demonstrated significant reductions in smoking from 1984 to 1989. Females in the educated cohort also consistently reported significantly healthier eating habits and physical activity patterns than the reference cohort. Short-term changes in alcohol use were also noted among both males and females, consistent with the results of other research studies of school-based programmes. Results for eating patterns and physical activity patterns with males were not as robust as with females. Nevertheless, behavioural health programmes in schools coordinated with community-wide education and campaigns with adults appears promising.