CHANGES IN KNOWLEDGE AND FOOD BEHAVIOR FOLLOWING A SCREENING-PROGRAM HELD IN A SUPERMARKET

We examined the relationship between knowledge, health beliefs and die tary behaviours of participants in a supermarket cardiovascular screen ing program, the conceptual framework for which was the Health Belief Model. 3,432 individuals aged 18-74 participated in the screening prog ram conducted in 54 supermarkets in Montreal and Quebec. This program identified participants' risk for cardiovascular disease by measuring total serum cholesterol, blood pressure, height, weight, level of phys ical activity, and tobacco use. A ten-minute debriefing counselling se ssion interpreted risk factors and recommended follow-up. 70% (n=2,420 ) also completed a nutrition questionnaire on knowledge, health belief s, and frequency of consumption of high fat foods. Respondents increas ed their knowledge and reduced the frequency of consumption of high-fa t foods following the screening program (p less than or equal to 0.05) , particularly individuals with higher blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and women.