RESULTS FROM AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM DEALING WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS - EXPERIENCES FROM A STUDY OF MEN AGED 33-42 IN HABO, SWEDEN

Objective - To evaluate the long-term effect of a health examination a nd intervention programme in a Swedish community. Design - A health ex amination 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 examinatio n with the participants. Follow-up studies were carried out after 1 ye ar and after 3-6 years. Participants - All men aged 33-42 living in a Swedish community (Habo) were invited to the health examination. Altog ether 652 participated, corresponding to a participation rate of 86.1% . Main results - In the 1-year follow-up study, improvement with respe ct to cardiovascular risk factors was seen in a high-risk group (n = 1 61) 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 improvemen t was not seen in other men of similar age in the same community who h ad not participated in the health survey. In the 3-6-year follow-up on ly minor improvements remained, mainly for blood pressure and sum of r isk points. Conclusion - Even if the results are rather promising in t he short run, it seems urgent to make the methods for improving cardio vascular risk factors better, especially with regard to long-term resu lts.