Requirements of a coronary heart disease risk factor intervention programme for the coloured population of the Cape Peninsula

Abstract

The coloured population of the Cape Peninsula has been identified as having a high prevalence of risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHO), notably hypertension, cigarette smoking and hypercholesterolaemia. The need for an appropriate and effective CHO intervention programme, directed at the population as a whole, has become urgent. Three central problem areas relating to hypertension control - diagnosis, management and compliance - will have to be addressed. Hypertension was underdiagnosed among men, particularly those aged 25 - 44 years. Apart from educating this group regarding the need to have their blood pressure measured, detection programmes are therefore needed at the workplace to improve hypertension diagnosis. Inadequate management of hypertension was commonest in women aged over 45 years. Compliance with hypertension treatment regimens was poor in all men as well as in both sexes belonging to the lower socio-economic strata. Establishing easily accessible blood pressure stations for monitoring blood pressure and educating hypertensives regarding their condition could lead to improved management and compliance. Coloureds were found to smoke heavily, and the women had the highest smoking prevalence of all South African women. Furthermore, the age of onset of smoking is decreasing among coloured children. A general anti-smoking campaign directed at all South Africans is necessary to control smoking. Anti-smoking education programmes at primary school level are of particular importance to prevent the onset of the habit. More than 70% of coloureds had a serum cholesterol level imparting CHO risk, few followed a prudent diet and their knowledge of the prudent diet was poor. Health education programmes to promote the prudent diet are required. The need for. appropriately trained health educators in schools, workplaces, health clinics and all hospitals has been identified. An extensive health education service should be expanded by including the use 'of mass media, particularly television, to promote health.

S Afr Med J 1990; 78: 78-81