[Impact of an information campaign on cardiovascular risk factors. 5-year results at the study town Epernon]

Abstract

Objectives: Information campaigns are implemented to improve knowledge of cardiovascular disease and risk factors. The impact of these programs must be evaluated to determine whether they truly contribute to modifying risk factors in the population.

Methods: A 5-year information campaign on cardiovascular disease and risk factors was conducted in Epernon, France. The main objectives of the campaign focused on stopping smoking, regular physical exercise and balanced nutrition. Data were collected from a representative sample of the female and male population aged 20 to 65 years selected from the study town Epernon (500 subjects), and in control towns, Magny-en-Vexin and Moret-sur-Loing (200 subjects). The study town and control towns were comparable for population, demographic characteristics and geographic localization (distance from Paris). The subjects were invited to respond to a questionnaire on demographic data, attitudes toward health, risk factors and diet and underwent a clinical examination with blood tests.

Results: The initial sample included 961 subjects and 68.5% participated in the final survey. We were unable to evidence any significant difference in risk factors or the 10-year risk score calculated from the Framingham equation adapted to France. The information campaign was well accepted, the population not expression a feeling of lassitude. The campaign had a minimal effect on the way individuals relate to health. There was a fall in mean energy intake, mainly fat calories, which was similar in all three towns.

Conclusion: No major modification in cardiovascular risk factors was observed in this low-risk population, suggesting that future information campaigns should be aimed at targeted populations with a higher risk profile using simple and selected messages.