CHANGES IN SERUM-CHOLESTEROL IN EMPLOYEES AFTER 3 YEARS OF MULTIFACTORIAL INTERVENTION

Background: To assess long-term effectiveness of a multifactorial inte rvention at the work-site on serum cholesterol levels. Methods: Indivi dualized face-to-face counseling was given to 1,555 employees (76.7% m ale; mean age = 42.3 years) by occupational physicians at four work-si tes. After 3 years, a blinded assessment of the adequacy of the interv ention was done. Implementation of the intended intervention by physic ians was assessed as adequate in two work-sites (927 employees) and in adequate in the other two (628 employees). Observed changes in serum c holesterol were analyzed in the followed-up individuals. Follow-up rat es at each work-site were 78.6% and 44.5% for the adequate interventio n, and 85.5% and 60.4% for the inadequate intervention. Changes in ser um cholesterol were controlled for potential confounding factors (pre- test levels of risk factors, age, sex, body mass index, educational le vel, marital status, physical activity and alcohol consumption) by mul tiple linear regression procedures. Results: When the intervention was adequately performed, serum cholesterol was significantly lowered wit h a mean reduction of 14.3 mg/dl (95% C.I.: 11.0 to 17.6) in those emp loyees with baseline levels greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl. Conclu sions: Adequacy of implementation of work-site programs determines the ir long-term effectiveness in reducing mean serum cholesterol levels.