Patient education and multiphasic screening: it can change behavior.

Two hundred ninety-two residents of Sonoma County, California, underwent multiphasic screeening and two sessions of group patient education aimed at reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and automobile accidents. Approximately one year later all the participants were retested. A significant reduction was noted in systolic blood pressure in men and women, ages 50 to 70, cholesterol in men over age 40, and reported alcohol consumption in men. A significant increase was noted in the reported frequency of monthly breast self-examination in women, and in the amount of exercise and percentage of time seat belts were used in both sexes. No change was noted in reported amount of cigarette smoking, weight, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides. The combined use of health hazard appraisal, multiphasic screening, and patient education can lead to a reduction in cardiac and other risk factors in well-motivated groups.