Introduction. Current detection efforts of cardiovascular risk are focused on adults. This study was conducted to determine whether youth are equally at risk for presence of undetected risk factors. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 13,376 (1-16 years) youth participants in NHANES III. The association of prior diagnosis of dyslipidemia and NHANES III laboratory detection of high total cholesterol (HTC;>/200 mg/dL), high triglycerides (HTRIG; >/250 mg/dL), and low high-density lipoprotein (LHDL;<35 mg/dL) was determined. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine significant factors associated with prior nondiagnosis. Tests of statistical significance were two-sided with an alpha-level of .05. Results. Only .7% of youth were previously diagnosed with dyslipidemia compared to 16.3% by NHANES III laboratory evaluation. Black race (p=.000), increasing age (p=.000), and single female head of household (p=.000) were significantly associated with prior nondetection of dyslipidemia. Girls (8.5%) were more at risk for nondetection than boys (7.8%). Black youth (19.7%) were more at risk than white counterparts (14.7%) (white:black RR .75; 95% CI .69, .80). Regular physician or clinic access was not associated with risk of nondetection, regardless of race or age of the participant. Conclusion. Early detection efforts of dyslipidemia in youth should be instituted, focusing on girls and black youth.
Learning Objectives: 1. Determine effectiveness of current detection methods in youth for cardiovascular risk factors 2. Provide public health recommendations on screening of youth for cardiovascular risk factors
Keywords: Youth, Disease Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.