Results from an intervention programme dealing with cardiovascular risk factors: Experiences from a study of men aged 33–42 in Habo, Sweden

Abstract

Objective — To evaluate the long-term effect of a health examination and intervention programme in a Swedish community.

Design — A health examination was carried out with the purpose of improving cardiovascular risk factors. A health profile was created as an educational tool, by means of which a nurse discussed the results of the health examination with the participants. Follow-up studies were carried out after 1 year and after 3–6 years.

Participants — All men aged 33–42 living in a Swedish community (Habo) were invited to the health examination. Altogether 652 participated, corresponding to a participation rate of 86.1%.

Main results — In the 1-year follow-up study, improvement with respect to cardiovascular risk factors was seen in a high-risk group (n=161) for systolic blood pressure and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, mental stress, mental health, and for the sum of risk points according to the health profile. Corresponding improvement was not seen in other men of similar age in the same community who had not participated in the health survey. In the 3–6-year follow-up only minor improvements remained, mainly for blood pressure and sum of risk points.

Conclusion — Even if the results are rather promising in the short run, it seems urgent to make the methods for improving cardiovascular risk factors better, especially with regard to long-term results.

Key Words:

• primary prevention
• risk factors
• follow-up
• lifestyle
• primary health care
• men