Implementation of a Pilot School‐site Cholesterol Reduction Intervention

ABSTRACT: A school‐based cholesterol reduction intervention was offered to primary grade students in two New York City public schools. Subjects were participating in the “Know Your Body” school health program which includes an annual cholesterol screening for all students. Students with total serum cholesterol values greater than 170 mg/dl were eligible for a workshop designed to teach students to identify the amount and type of fat and fiber in various foods and to recognize the negative health consequences of eating a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat as well as the benefits of eating a diet high in complex carbohydrate and fiber. Thirty‐four students completed the five‐session behavioral group intervention. Following the workshop, mean total cholesterol for the 34 intervention participants fell 9.0% from baseline (196.9 mg/dl to 179.1 mg/dl). Cholesterol levels decreased 6.6% for a matched sample of comparison subjects (n = 118) participating only in the “Know Your Body” program. While several methodological limitations existed in this pilot study, the results suggest school‐site cholesterol reduction interventions for high‐risk individuals are feasible, cost‐effective, and potentially efficacious. 1989 American School Health Association