M. Molokhia et P. Oakeshott, A pilot study of cardiovascular risk assessment in Afro-Caribbean patientsattending an inner city general practice, FAM PRACT, 17(1), 2000, pp. 60-62
Background. Afro-Caribbean ethnic minorities are at high risk of stroke and
the sequelae of hypertension.
Objective. To investigate cardiovascular risk factors and Dundee risk rank
in Afro-Caribbeans attending one inner city general practice and to find wh
ich methods of health promotion patients preferred.
Methods. We assessed cardiovascular risk including systolic and diastolic b
lood pressure in 98 patients of Afro-Caribbean origin.
Results. Fifty per cent of the patients had at least two risk factors for c
ardiovascular disease. Focus groups suggested that the barriers to effectiv
e health promotion included lack of risk awareness, cultural and lifestyle
influences, time restrictions and language difficulties.
Conclusions. The small pilot study highlights both the need for and some of
the problems of GP-based cardiovascular health promotion in Afro-Caribbean
s.