Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118388

Anthony M. Sallar, PhD, MBA, School of Health Sciences, Ohio University, Grover Center E317, Athens, OH 45701-2979, 740-593-0528, sallar@ohio.edu and Samuel Okoye, MD, FAAFP, Community Health Awareness, Inc;, 4304 Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS 39209.

Background Mississippi is one of the states leading the nation in death resulting from cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected compared to other ethnic groups. The primary objective of this research is to assess the knowledge base of volunteers screened relative to knowing their numbers for CVD indicators such as BMI, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. The screening was conducted by Community Outreach for Health Awareness (COHA), a CBO to increase preventive practices through preventive education and screening especially in the state's underserved population

Methods The data presented were collected by COHA while providing health education and screening of cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure at non traditional healthcare settings. Participants provided demographic information and indicated whether they had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Blood pressure was measured after at least 10 minutes rest and blood was drawn to measure blood sugar concentration and cholesterol. Participants with elevated readings were counseled, provided educational materials and advised to seek care with a physician. JNC 7 classification was used in classifying participants under hypertension. The data were analyzed by contingency table analysis on history of hypertension, cholesterol or elevated blood sugar and screening results.

Results Among the 1243 screened from 2000-2004, 28.1% were males, 81% AA, with mean age 42.7 (sd = 19.4) years. Normal blood pressure was found in 60%, 25.4% and 14.7% had stages I and II hypertension, respectively. Elevated blood sugar results (>121) and cholesterol were observed in 13.4% and 22.7% respectively. AA were more likely to be classified as having stages I & II hypertension than whites (p = 0.012). Of those indicating no history of the conditions screened 27.2% were found to have stage 1 and II hypertension, 10.4% elevated blood sugar, and 17% elevated cholesterol.

Conclusion Screening of the medically underserved by volunteers in non traditional settings can be effective in identifying and referring persons who may be at risk for coronary heart disease in receiving care. COHA's screening program is an effective community-based prevention method to increase awareness of persons at risk for CVD.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Participants will become conversant with JNC 7 Guidelines on Hypertension
• 2.Participants will have adequate information on the ideal cholesterol target, blood pressure target, blood sugar target and body mass index target
• 3.Participants will be informed about Community Health Awareness (COHA’s ) role in promoting community health education in the state of Mississippi
• 4.Participants will get an insight into how a CBO can be used s a link between the health care system and the general population to promote overall health

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Community Outreach

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation