Community Screening Outcomes for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Cholesterol

Heart disease and diabetes affect millions of individuals in the United States and are among the leading causes of mortality for all racial groups. They share common key risk factors including hypertension and high cholesterol. Community health screenings may play a vital role in identifying, preventing, and controlling these diseases and their associated risk factors. The data were part of the community health screening efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Nashville REACH 2010 project. Participants' demographic information and screening outcomes were recorded by project staff trained to conduct community health screenings. The study sample size consisted of 3543 participants. There were no racial differences in the likelihood of screening at-risk or positive for hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The majority of participants screened at-risk or positive for hypertension and high cholesterol. This study was successful in identifying new cases for these diseases and participants who were inadequately managing either of these health conditions. Given the high percentage of participants who screened at-risk or positive for these 3 health conditions, it will be beneficial for future research to understand the most effective methods of helping these individuals to receive appropriate medical services.