Identifying high cholesterol in the ambulance setting: a mixed-methods cohort study to tackle health inequality.
J Public Health (Oxf)
; 46(2): 277-285, 2024 May 29.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38291949
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Individuals with low socio-economic status (SES) have disproportionate rates of cardio- vascular disease (CVD) but poorer engagement with preventative health. This study aimed to compare characteristics of individuals with and without hyperlipidaemia and describe their health behaviours.METHODS:
A mixed-methods study between January and December 2022. Patients aged ≥40 years using the ambulance service with blood pressure of ≥140/90 had their total cholesterol measured using a point of care device. Data including blood pressure, smoking status, National Early Warning Score 2 and clinical frailty scale (CFS) were analysed.RESULTS:
Of 203 patients (59% female, mean age 65.7 years), 115 (56.7%) had total cholesterol ≥5.1 mmol/L. Thirty patients (14.8%) sought treatment and received either statins (n = 9; 4.4%), dietary modification (n = 7; 3.4%) or no further intervention (n = 14; 6.9%), whilst 85 patients (41.9%) took no further action. Lower CFS (OR 0.53 [0.31-0.93]) and higher total cholesterol (OR 2.07 [1.03-2.76]) predicted seeking further management. SES was not associated with hyperlipidaemia or likelihood of seeking further management, rather this was dictated by competing co-morbidity, poor health literacy and digital divide.CONCLUSIONS:
Undiagnosed hyperlipidaemia exists in patients using the ambulance service, irrespective of SES. Individual and healthcare system factors prevent engagement in cholesterol lowering behaviours.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ambulâncias
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Public Health (Oxf)
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido