The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55354

Erik W. Zabel, PhD, MPH¹, Myron Falken, PhD¹, Michele Sonnabend, PHN², and Daniel Symonik, PhD¹. (1) Environmental Health Division, Minnesota Department of Health, 121 East Seventh Place, P.O. Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164-0975, 651-215-0967, erik.zabel@health.state.mn.us, (2) Countryside Public Health Services, 201 13th St S, Benson, MN 56215

Most attention to the problem of lead poisoning has focused on urban areas. However, Minnesota is a largely rural state, with roughly half the population living outside the major metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul. We sought to rigorously characterize elevated blood lead prevalence in a representative rural area. A comprehensive prevalence study was designed to test blood lead levels in all children up to 48 months old in a three-county area of west-central Minnesota. This area has a high proportion of homes built prior to 1950 and a relatively high rate of poverty, two of the major risk factors for elevated blood lead levels (EBLL, i.e. a blood lead level of 10 micrograms/dl or greater). Approximately 1,500 eligible families were asked to complete a one-page questionnaire about their child's possible exposure to lead poisoning risks and have their child's blood tested for lead. Recruitment of study participants occurred through a combination of mailed materials, face-to-face contact at WIC clinics, and media publicity. Local health clinics were also actively involved in recruitment during well-child and sick visits. Blood lead tests were obtained for 75% of eligible children. EBLLs were observed in 2.1% of tested children, and 0.5% of children had blood lead levels above 20 micrograms/dl. Receiving Medicaid or WIC assistance and spending time in pre-1950 housing were important determinants of EBLL. We achieved greater awareness of lead issues by local physicians and the public, and developed a closer relationship with local public health and health care provider organizations.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Identify effective study participant recruitment methods in a rural area.
• Describe the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning in rural Minnesota.
• Prioritize lead poisoning risk factors for children in rural areas.
• List similarities and differences between rural and urban areas for lead poisoning.

Keywords: Lead, Child Health

Related Web page: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.