Asymptomatic At-Risk Population: Health Fair Screening in Diverse Underserved Population

Evers-Manly, Shirley D.

Background: To promote healthy behaviors and provide health screenings to underserved population in Los Angeles (LA), students at Charles R Drew University participate in health fairs. Little is known about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile of health fairs participants in underserved diverse communities.

PURPOSE: We explored the CVD risk profile of participants from the underserved communities in Los Angeles who attended a community health fair conducted by the Charles R Drew University.

METHODS: Survey was used to assess reasons of visit, demographics, insurance, smoking, self-perceived health, body mass index, fruit and vegetable consumption and exercise habit. Participants received screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, and total cholesterol. Participants with abnormal findings received counseling, education and referral to their providers. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22.

RESULTS: Of 272 participants, 86% were female, 73% were African Americans, 39% were 50 years and older, 28% had College education, 46% had HMO and 21% reported fair/poor health. Participants visited the health fair for screening (31%) and seeking health information (31%). Of the participants, 7% were smokers, 30% were obese, 36% had borderline/hypercholesterolemia, 76% did not consume five servings of fruits and vegetables, 35% did not exercise 30 minutes or more per day for 3 days/week, 7% were diabetics, and 25% had systolic hypertension, 19% had diastolic hypertension, and 29% had both systolic and diastolic hypertension. About half (46%) had 3 to 6 risk factors for CVD disease. Male who were 40 years and older during the health fair who self perceived their health status as fair/poor health were more likely to have higher risk factors (p<0.05) compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS: About half of the participants were asymptomatic at the time of screening, yet at high risk of CVD. Longitudinal follow-up of the health fair participants is imperative to improve health outcomes and knowledge about CVD.