Biometric Screening Research Articles

Exploring associations of financial well-being with health behaviours and physical and mental health: a cross-sectional study among US adults

BackgroundHealth disparities exist across socioeconomic status levels, yet empirical evidence between financial well-being (FWB) and health are limited.MethodsThis cross-sectional study combined data from 25 370 adults aged ≥18 years in...

Abstract MP56: Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: School Based Programs May Be Best Alternative

Introduction: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by elevated cholesterol and premature development of cardiovascular (CV) disease affecting 1/200 - 1/500 individuals. Only 10% of the affected population in the United States have been identified and treated compared to 50-70% in Scandinavian countries identified through school-based or universal screening programs. Hypothesis Statement: School based programs are the best mechanism for FH screening. Methods: The Healthy Hearts and Minds Program (HHM) through UCHealth performs biometric screenings on 5th, 7th, and 10th grade students in Northern Colorado. HHM tested 10,991 5th grade students (9/2017 - 5/2022) and identified 424 students with total cholesterol levels ≥200 mg/dL (range 200-302). A buccal smear test (APOB, LDLR, PCSK9) was performed on 99 individuals with the highest total cholesterol levels to identify genetic status. A binomial logistic regression model was used for analysis. Results: Of the 99 students, six tested positive (50% male, 10.3 years, 22.8 BMI) for FH with five (40% male, 11.3 years, 17.3 BMI.) reporting a variant of indeterminate significance. A sigmoidal association between total cholesterol and predicted chance of FH was identified with the inflection point at ~270 mg/dL. Conclusions: Comprehensive school based programs are the most effective and equitable means of identifying this genetic based disease and should be supported in a collaborative manner with health care systems, industry and the community. With availability to all students, diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns are addressed and provide at risk populations with personalized health information. The results from this study suggest a school-based screening program can be effective at identifying students most at risk for FH. These results further define the relation between total cholesterol and predicted chance of FH for a school-aged population where 245 mg/dL indicates a 10.3% of testing positive for FH whereas 275 mg/dL has a 54.8% chance. Additionally, the multiplier effect documented through cascade FH testing enhances the benefit of the information to other family members, as the autosomal dominant pattern insures that 50% of members will be at risk. The individual benefit of identifying FH early is the treatability of this condition. Early use of lipid lowering agents can make the CV disease risk equal to the general population. If left untreated, CV disease occurs approximately 10 years earlier which results in increased mortality and disability, along with increased health care costs. Therefore, if elevated cholesterol is present in school children, genetic testing is warranted and treatment considered by age 8-10 years, especially if signs of abnormal vascular plaquing is identified.

Pharmacist-led biometric screenings: A retrospective chart review in a community pharmacy

BackgroundBiometric screenings have gained popularity in employer-based wellness programs and are increasingly offered at community pharmacies. ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze biometric screening data collected at a community pharmacy in North Alabama to examine the prevalence of risk factors and the role of pharmacist-led screenings in identifying at-risk individuals and facilitating referrals to primary care providers. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted using biometric screening data collected between 2020 and 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyze the data. ResultsA total of 801 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 45.4 years, and 56.2 % were female. The mean systolic blood pressure was 132 mmHg, and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 84 mmHg. Mean total cholesterol was 174 mg/dL, and the mean blood glucose was 109 mg/dL. Mean BMI was 35.1 kg/m2. Among the screened patients, 22.5 % were referred to a primary care provider due to an elevated level of at least one of the measured variables, with BMI being the most common reason for referral. ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of risk factors in a population undergoing pharmacist-led biometric screenings in a community pharmacy. The findings emphasize the important role of pharmacists in identifying at-risk individuals and facilitating appropriate referrals to primary care. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of these referrals and explore the feasibility of similar programs in diverse healthcare settings.

Impact of updated hypertension guideline on eligibility for an employee wellness program

BackgroundPharmacists reduce overall healthcare spending in employee wellness programs (EWP). Employers implementing disease state management in an EWP must define the eligibility criteria. Clinical practice guidelines establish diagnostic criteria; therefore, updated guidelines have the potential to change the number of eligible beneficiaries in an EWP. No studies have analyzed the effects of using updated guideline-recommended criteria on the change in eligibility, enrollment, and indirectly, workload for program practitioners which may impact program administration cost. ObjectivesThe objective was to determine the impact of changing the blood pressure (BP) threshold for eligibility on the number of eligible beneficiaries in an EWP to that recommended by the ACC/AHA 2017. MethodsBalls Food Stores (BFS) provides services within an EWP called Start Now including annual biometric screenings, a health risk assessment (HRA), and pharmacist-led disease-state coaching for select beneficiaries with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or both (SN-DM and SN-CV, respectively). Enrollment in SN-CV is offered to beneficiaries if they have a qualifying diagnosis or biometric screening result. To determine the process for evaluating the effect of new eligibility criteria on potential enrollment in SN-CV, a retrospective evaluation was conducted using 2018 beneficiary data. The primary outcome measure was the difference in number of beneficiaries identified using current eligibility criteria (based on JNC8) and those potentially eligible using ACC/AHA 2017. ResultsThere were 1427 beneficiaries, of which 309 beneficiaries were eligible for disease-state coaching prior to 2018 and 187 beneficiaries were identified in 2018 using current eligibility criteria. Using proposed ACC/AHA 2017 criteria, 113 additional beneficiaries would potentially be eligible for SN-CV. ConclusionThe effect of the change in SN-CV eligibility criteria would increase effort to determine eligibility, number of beneficiaries eligible for the program, and labor cost.

Abstract P570: The Association of Ideal Cardiovascular Health With Self-Reported Health in Black American Women

Introduction: Black American women suffer disproportionately from an increased burden of cardiovascular health (CVH) risk factors, earlier onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and higher CVD mortality when compared to their White women. The Partnering in Negating Statistics (P.I.N.S.) for Black Women Initiative is an academic-community-government partnership aimed at uplifting Black women to achieve total health and wellness through the provision of education, access to resources, and partnership in science. Women’s community wellness events have operationalized the P.I.N.S. Initiative mission since 2021, drawing Black women and their families to take part in resources like cardiovascular disease screenings (AHA’s Life’s Simple 7 [LS7] and Life’s Essential 8 [LE8]) and education. The study presented herein examined the association of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) with self-reported health among Black American women who attended the community wellness events. Methods: Community wellness events focusing on Black women occurred in 2021 and 2022. At these events, a battery of measurements including CVH metrics (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index [BMI], physical activity, smoking, diet and sleep duration) and self-reported health(poor, fair, good, excellent) were collected from participants who chose to participate in biometric screening. The associations between LS7 (range 0-14)/LE8 (range 0-100) with self-reported health were tested using multinomial logistic regression controlling for age, income, and education. Results: One-hundred and twenty-three Black American women with complete LS7 and self-reported health data were included in the analysis 2021 and 2022, of those 63 of participants in 2022 had LE8 data. The mean age of participants was 50 (SD 14), 66%, 23%, 7% and 2% were employed, retired, unemployed and students, 76% and 15%, were enrolled in private insurance, Medicaid/Medicare and 15% had no insurance. Sixty-nine percent had educational attainment ≥ college. In fully adjusted analyses, a 1-unit increase (range 4-13) in LS7 was associated with a 34% lower odds of fair vs. excellent self-reported health (OR 0.66, 95%CI: 0.46, 0.96,p=0.0281). A 1-unit increase in LE8 (range 38-91) was associated with a 13% lower odds of fair vs. excellent self-reported health (OR 0.87, 95%CI: 0.78, 0.98, p=0.0258). Conclusion: Attainment of higher ICH was associated with lower odds of fair vs. excellent self-reported health among Black American women. This finding is important in community-based health interventions and clinical trial recruitment in historically underrepresented populations including Black women, as individuals who appropriately recognize their health status may be more likely to engage in clinical and community-based research to improve health.

Abstract 03: Partnering in Negating Statistics for Black Women: A Women's Community Wellness Initiative

Background: Black Americans have the highest rate of mortality from chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) among all non-indigenous races and ethnicities. Higher attainment of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), as indicated by AHA’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7; glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, diet, physical activity, smoking), and Life’s Essential 8 metrics (LE8: LS7 + sleep duration) is associated with a lower risk of mortality from chronic disease among all races and ethnicities. About 70% of health outcomes are influenced by social determinants of health (SDoH) and lifestyle behaviors. Unfortunately, Black American women are more likely to be negatively impacted by SDoH and less likely to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors than their White counterparts. The Partnering in Negating Statistics (P.I.N.S.) for Black Women Initiative began in 2021 to educate, provide access to resources, and partner in science toward promoting health and wellness among Black women. Herein described is the commencement of the P.I.N.S. Initiative through community-based wellness events and community-dwelling Black women’s attainment of LS7 and LE8. Methods: The P.I.N.S. Initiative capitalized on engagement of academic-community-government partnerships to plan and implement community-based wellness events for Black women. Large signature events boasted opportunities to participate in education, screenings (e.g., mammograms, pap smears, and LS7/LE8 screening), and research. In addition to capture of screening data, event feasibility was assessed via a program evaluation at signature events in August 2021 and 2022. Descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and thematic content analysis (qualitative data) were performed. Results: Community-based wellness events boasted high feasibility in the areas of demand and acceptability. Five hundred Black women attended the events, completing a total of 30 mammograms, 24 pap smears, and 418 biometric screenings. Of women with complete LS7 (N = 123) and LE8 (N = 63) data, the median [interquartile range] LS7 and LE8 scores were 8 [7-10] on a 0-14 scale and 63 [54, 73] on a 0-100 scale. From evaluations (N = 111), attendees (20-74 years old) were well educated (66% with a college degree) and mostly un-partnered (57%). Largely, women heard about our event through family, friends, and community partners. Women were very to extremely satisfied with wellness content (82%) and the program overall (85%). Respondents found value in community engagement and reported the need for an annual event. Conclusion: The P.I.N.S. Initiative is a feasible avenue to engage Black women with largely intermediate cardiovascular health in wellness-focused services. This initiative provides a modifiable framework for further research toward identifying interventions to promote ideal CVH and equitable cardiovascular outcomes.

A pilot evaluation of the Food as Medicine program for patients with type 2 diabetes

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Food as Medicine Program (modified and adapted based on supporting research of the Fresh Food Farmacy™ program) that was implemented at a southeast regional hospital with voluntary participants with diabetes. It was hypothesized that participants would experience a decline in type 2 diabetes symptoms following the 12-month program of bi-monthly healthy groceries, nutritional guidance, educational sessions, and group health coaching. For this initial pilot study, four cohorts of patients were admitted consisting of 20 participants. The 12-month program included bi-monthly food pick-ups, nutritional recipes, and bi-monthly group educational and health coaching sessions for participants. They also completed pre- and post-program assessments, including a medical history questionnaire, biometric screening (HbA1c, weight, BMI, and blood pressure), and health behavior questionnaires. While there were not statistically significant differences from pre- to post-program, mean HbA1c slightly decreased from the time of the initial test (i.e., month 1) to follow-up testing (i.e., month 12). The pre- to post-program trends for diabetes self-care activities indicated improvements for general and specific diet maintenance, days of exercise per week, blood glucose testing per week, foot care, and smoking habits. Participants also exhibited a decrease in diabetes distress for emotional, physical, regimen, and interpersonal distress from pre- to post-program. This is very important as self-regulation of behaviors is necessary to successful management of diabetes. The results are discussed in relation to the limitations created by COVID-19, along with future implementation suggestions.

Abstract 9442: Increasing Patient Activation Among Black American Men in a Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention Pilot: Black Impact

Introduction: Life’s simple 7 (LS7) is a seven-metric framework from which cardiovascular health can be measured. Black Americans have the lowest attainment of LS7 among all communities. This may be in part related to patient activation or “having the capability and the willingness to take on the role of managing one’s own health and health care”. Patients with lower patient activation scores on the Patient Activation Measure tool (PAM) are more likely to develop and suffer from chronic diseases like hypertension and stroke. Black Americans report lower patient activation as compared to Non-Hispanic Whites, and lower medication adherence. Here, we discuss changes in patient activation during a 24-week community-based, lifestyle intervention focused on improving cardiovascular health in Black American men. Methods: We recruited 74 Black men with less than 4 of 7 LS7 metrics in the “ideal” range to participate in Black Impact, a community-based lifestyle intervention adapted from the AHA’s Check, Change, Control Program and Diabetes Prevention Program. Participants met weekly in groups of 8-25 for 24 weeks, completing group-based physical activities and health education sessions. Biometric screenings and self-report surveys (including the PAM 10-item questionnaire) were administered at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Changes in PAM scores at 12 and 24 weeks were calculated using a linear mixed-effects model with random intercepts. Results: The mean baseline PAM score of participants, when adjusted for age, education, and income, was 64.68 (95% CI: 60.51, 68.85). At week 12, the PAM score increased by an average of 4.36 (95% CI: 1.09, 7.63; p = 0.01). At week 24, the increase from baseline was 8.22 (95% CI: 5.06, 11.38; p < 0.001). Increases in PAM were non-significantly associated with increases in LS7 over the 24 weeks (p= 0.346) Conclusions: In Black Impact, PAM scores increased substantially at 12 and 24 weeks. The 8-point PAM increase at 24 weeks is equivalent to a 16% reduction in the likelihood of hospitalizations and a 16% increase in medication adherence. These findings suggest community-based lifestyle interventions focused on increasing cardiovascular health may be a key strategy in advancing equity in patient activation.

Abstract 10732: Independent Evaluation of Effects of a Virtual Employer-Sponsored Type 2 Diabetes Management Program on Blood Glucose

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an employer-sponsored T2D management virtual program (Onduo) on blood glucose changes, via an independent data source, within the first year of participation. Methods: This retrospective pre-post study included participants with T2D who engaged in Onduo Dec 2020-Sept 2021. Participants had to have completed an employer-sponsored wellness program (independent of Onduo) with year-end biometric screening in 2019, 2020 and 2021, which included HbA1c, fasting glucose (FG), lipids, and other biometric measurements (Table). Year-to-year changes pre-intervention (2019 vs 2020 wellness screening, before Onduo) and post-intervention (2020 vs 2021) were compared using paired t-tests (significant at P ≤.05). We also assessed year-to-year changes based on use of specific Onduo telehealth tools (mobile app, blood glucose meter [BGM], health coach consultations, continuous glucose monitor [CGM], and telemedicine visits). Results: All 578 participants included (Table) used a mobile app, 84% used personalized coaching, 69% BGM, 13% telehealth visits, and 10% CGM. Seventy (12.1%) participants had HbA1c ≥9% in 2019, 79 (13.7%) in 2020, and 57 (9.9%) in 2021 (2019 vs 2020: P =.3; 2020 vs 2021: P =.01; Χ 2 tests). Within the first year of intervention, year-to-year changes in HbA1c, FG, HDL, and LDL significantly improved compared to pre-intervention changes (Table). The largest glycemic improvements post-intervention were in participants with baseline HbA1c ≥9% ( P <.001; ANOVA) or baseline FG ≥126 mg/dL ( P <.001; 2-sample t-test). Participants who used a CGM or telemedicine visits (n=81) had greater post-intervention drops (2020 vs 2021) in HbA1c than did others (-0.7 vs -0.2%, P <.01; 2-sample t-test). Conclusions: Participation in Onduo improved year-to-year trends in HbA1c, FG, HDL, and LDL. Improvements in glycemia were greater in participants with the highest baseline glycemic indices and those who used a CGM or telemedicine visits.

The Association between Lifestyle Risk Factors and COVID-19 Hospitalization in a Healthcare Institution

COVID-19 is an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a subtype of the coronavirus. In addition to normal levels of biometric measures, a healthy lifestyle has been considered an indispensable element in preventing complications of coronavirus infection. Demographic characteristics are also critical in determining risk levels. Aim: Investigate potential significant associations between health behaviors, biometric screenings, demographics, and COVID-19 hospitalization in Loma Linda University Health employees. Methods: Participants are employees covered under the employer-sponsored health plan at Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, who tested positive for COVID-19. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze demographics, biometric screenings, and lifestyle factors associated with COVID-19 hospitalization. In our study, 7% of participants required hospitalization. Variables independently associated with COVID-19 hospitalization included higher age (OR = 1.05 [1.01–1.08], P = .005), non-White race compared to the White race (OR = 3.2 [1.22–8.38], P = .018), higher HbA1C levels showing a marginal association (OR = 1.31 [.99–1.72], P = .057), and lower vegetable consumption (OR = 4.39 [2.06–9.40], P < .001). Lower protein consumption decreased the Odds of hospitalization (OR = .40 [.19–.87], P = .021). Our results suggest that a diet that includes more vegetables and lower protein may confer some protection against COVID-19 hospitalization.

Aluminum Stress Induces Irreversible Proteomic Changes in the Roots of the Sensitive but Not the Tolerant Genotype of Triticale Seedlings.

Triticale is a wheat–rye hybrid with a higher abiotic stress tolerance than wheat and is better adapted for cultivation in light-type soils, where aluminum ions are present as Al-complexes that are harmful to plants. The roots are the first plant organs to contact these ions and the inhibition of root growth is one of the first plant reactions. The proteomes of the root apices in Al-tolerant and -sensitive plants were investigated to compare their regeneration effects following stress. The materials used in this study consisted of seedlings of three triticale lines differing in Al3+ tolerance, first subjected to aluminum ion stress and then recovered. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) was used for seedling root protein separation followed by differential spot analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS/MS). The plants’ tolerance to the stress was evaluated based on biometric screening of seedling root regrowth upon regeneration. Our results suggest that the Al-tolerant genotype can recover, without differentiation of proteome profiles, after stress relief, contrary to Al-sensitive genotypes that maintain the proteome modifications caused by unfavorable environments.

Health Benefits In 2021: Employer Programs Evolving In Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic.

This is the second annual Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey released since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite widespread workplace disruption, the key metrics we survey remained fairly stable. Average premiums for single and family coverage each increased 4percent-the same percentage as seen the prior year. The offer rate (59percent) and the coverage rate (62percent) in firms offering coverage were similar to prepandemic levels. Covered workers, on average, contributed 17percent of the cost for single coverage and 28percent of the cost for family coverage-also similar to prepandemic levels. At the same time, the pandemic has spurred changes to employer benefits. Employers expanded telemedicine benefits, and many made modifications to extend the scope of these benefits. Many employers also adapted wellness and biometric screening programs to better align with employees working remotely and with changes in how employees seek out health care.

Associations between biometric characteristics and occupational safety and health

Any job comes with different occupational hazards. Office-bounded positions had become pervasive over the past years. Moreover, the pandemic crisis experienced in 2020 shifted these jobs to a home office, generating unexpected hazards. The case study presented below collected primary data from 409 university employees through biometric screenings and analyzed it using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square tests established statistically significant associations between type of occupation and characteristics such as gender, body mass index, blood and urine sample laboratory results, and age. Logistic regression determined two significant factors that contribute to occupational diagnosis (gender and physical exam results). In addition, the study identified clinical problems and pathologies related to mental work. These results were pivotal for identifying specific work hazards such as obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, eye problems, and metabolic diseases and how they affect health and safety in the workplace.

Nutrition Supports Deconstructed and Disrupted: An Evaluation of a Multilevel School-Based Intervention during the Time of COVID.

The Best Food Forward (BFF) project aims to provide multiple nutrition supports and interventions to improve family food security (FS) and health outcomes associated with FS within two metropolitan school districts. A quasi-experimental time-series design guided a multilevel evaluation for BFF through surveys, biometric screenings, focus groups, and observations among a random sample of caregiver–child dyads. FS, utilization of school meal programs, and nutrition behaviors were observed and analyzed at three time points: preintervention, postintervention pre-COVID-19, and postintervention post-COVID-19. Participants included 122 parents and 162 youth. Families reported (1) an income less than $35,000 annually (48.8%) and (2) a COVID-19-related job loss (36.9%). Parents used Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs or Women, Infants, Children benefits prior to (51.1%) and following COVID-19 (50.0%). No significant differences in FS were found. RM-ANOVA indicated an increase in breakfast consumption at home and a decrease in use of the school breakfast program (F(1.78, 74) = 19.64, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.21) and school lunch program (F(1.51, 74) = 23.30, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.24). Rates of FS and eating behaviors did not change significantly over time. Correlations of program usage and eating behaviors demonstrate the importance of promoting participation in school meal programs. BFF may have prevented significant decreases in FS during COVID-19.

Effectiveness and economic impact of a diabetes education program among adults with type 2 diabetes in South Texas

BackgroundThe long-term growth and sustained high prevalence of obesity in the US is likely to increase the burden of Type 2 diabetes. Hispanic individuals are particularly burdened by a larger share of diabetes than non-Hispanic White individuals. Given the existing health disparities facing this population, we aimed to examine the effectiveness and potential cost savings of the Diabetes Education Program (DEP) offered as part of Healthy South Texas, a state-legislated initiative to reduce health disparities in 27 counties in South Texas with a high proportion of Hispanic adults.MethodsDEP is an 8-h interactive workshop taught in English and Spanish. After the workshop, participants receive quarterly biometric screenings and continuing education with a health educator for one year. Data were analyzed from 3859 DEP participants with Type 2 diabetes living in South Texas at five time points (baseline, 3-months, 6-months, 9-months, 12-months). The primary outcome variable of interest for study analyses was A1c. A series of independent sample t-tests and linear mixed-model regression analyses were used to identify changes over time. Two methods were then applied to estimate healthcare costs savings associated with A1c reductions among participants.ResultsThe majority of participants were ages 45–64 years (58%), female (60%), Hispanic (66%), and had a high school education or less (75%). At baseline, the average hemoglobin A1c was 8.57%. The most substantial reductions in hemoglobin A1c were identified from baseline to 3-month follow-up (P < 0.001); however, the reduction in A1c remained significant from baseline to 12-month follow-up (P < 0.001). The healthcare cost savings associated with improved A1c for the program was estimated to be between $5.3 to $5.6 million over a two to three year period.ConclusionFindings support the effectiveness of DEP with ongoing follow-up for sustained diabetes risk management. While such interventions foster clinical-community collaboration and can improve patient adherence to recommended lifestyle behaviors, opportunities exist to complement DEP with other resources and services to enhance program benefits. Policy makers and other key stakeholders can assess the lessons learned in this effort to tailor and expand similar initiatives to potentially at-risk populations.Trial registrationThis community-based intervention is not considered a trial by ICMJE definitions, and has not be registered as such.

Using Cluster Analysis to Explore Associations between Cardiovascular Risk and Lifestyle Factors in a Workplace Wellness Program

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the United States with risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, age, genetics, and unhealthy diets. A university-based workplace wellness program (WWP) consisting of an annual biometric screening assessment with targeted, individualized health coaching was implemented in an effort to reduce these risk factors while encouraging and nurturing ideal cardiovascular health.Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the prevalence of single and combined, or multiple, CVD risk factors within a workplace wellness dataset.Methods: Cluster analysis was used to determine CVD risk factors within biometric screening data (BMI, waist circumference, LDL, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, blood glucose age, ethnicity, and gender) collected during WWP interventions.Results: The cluster analysis provided visualizations of the distributions of participants having specific CVD risk factors. Of the 8,802 participants, 1,967 (22.4%) had no CVD risk factor, 1,497 (17%) had a single risk factor, and 5,529 (60.5%) had two or more risk factors. The majority of sample members are described as having more than one CVD risk factor with 78% having multiple.Conclusion: Cluster analysis demonstrated utility and efficacy in categorizing participant data based on their CVD risk factors. A baseline analysis of data was captured and provided understanding and awareness into employee health and CVD risk. This process and analysis facilitated WWP planning to target and focus on education to promote ideal cardiovascular health.

Objectively measured chronic disease risk among food pantry patrons.

This cross-sectional, observational study examined the prevalence of objectively measured chronic disease risk factors among a diverse group of food pantry patrons. Public health nurses performed biometric screenings in community settings for 1,685 unduplicated adults attending food pantries. Over three fourths of participants (81.1%) were overweight or obese. High cholesterol and high blood pressure were detected in 38.4% and 37.7% of participants, respectively. Over half (58%) of the participants were referred to a local community health clinic for follow-up services. Interventions should target food pantry patrons to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease conditions among this vulnerable population.

BIOMETRIC SCREENINGS: THE ROUTE TO OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Biometric characteristics such as fingerprints, palmprints, iris, or face recognition have been used at organizations to identify an individual, grant access to physical or digital facilities, and to control employees' time and attendance. Nowadays, employers recognize the importance of workers' health. For this reason, wellness programs are gaining popularity among enterprises. As part of these programs, other biometric traits such as height, weight, blood samples are acquired at biometric screening events. Their main objective is to promote healthy habits within the workforce via early prevention and timely interventions of diseases. The present work goes beyond the biometric screenings' health benefits that are broadly reported and analyzes the implication of the screenings over occupational safety and health For this purpose, a literature review was carried out. Literature research and analysis conveyed relevant information regarding the application of biometrics in the workplace via biometric screenings. The revision of pertinent scientific documents showed that biometric characteristics acquired in a biometric screening event and the subsequent results’ analysis can aid in the identification of unconventional hazards that can affect occupational safety and health. Furthermore, the present study describes different examples on how a biometric screening results can be associated with occupational hazards and consequently affect occupational safety and health.

Findings From the Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Project

In 1984, the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) was started to identify factors in the HIV epidemic related to disease risk and treatment progression among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in four urban areas in the US: Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA, and Los Angeles, CA. MACS participants complete biannual study visits involving HIV testing, biometric screenings, and psychosocial data collection. In 2015 a MACS sub-study, the Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging among MSM Project (HAMSM), was started to better understand resiliencies promoting well-being among MSM age 40 and older, including those with HIV. HAMSM has helped us to understand aging trajectories among MSM, and provides a unique combination of physiological and psychosocial data that can inform efforts to support MSM in healthy aging. This symposium will present emerging findings from the HAMSM study. Our first paper examines the relationships between psychological connection to the gay community (PSOC) and developmental regulatory strategies associated with health behaviors and more positive self-appraisals. The second paper examines how PSOC is related to HIV risk reduction behaviors, and if there are differences in such behaviors based on HIV status. Our third paper considers how self-perceptions of aging (age discrepancy, aging satisfaction) are related to frailty and frailty transitions, and if these relationships differ by HIV status. The final paper examines the relationship of social support to frailty among MSM by HIV status. Implications of these findings for research, policy, and programs targeting MSM will be discussed.

Toward a Rhetorical Account of Refugee Encounters: Biometric Screening Technologies and Failed Promises of Mobility

ABSTRACT This essay brings together scholarship in biometrics and disability studies with conversations in transnational rhetorical studies to build a theoretical framework that examines the (re)emergence and (re)circulation of biometric screening technologies and attends to the role of technologies in theorizing an ethics of encounter. I argue specifically that tracing biometrics—discursive, material, and technological practices—reveals how such discourses and their promises materialize on bodies of refugees and shape their encounters as “others and other-others.” Using this framework, I analyze rhetorically cultural artifacts that circulated following the 2015 and 2016 terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States to demonstrate how biometric screening discourses of progress have participated in immobilizing refugees physically and exacerbating conditions of biopolitical control and debilitation.