Executive Summary

Northern Mallee Risk Assessment Pilot Program - Pre Screening

Combined Summary

Emergency Services Organisation

50 Respondents

72% Response Rate

84% Male
10% Female

Age Group

38% were in the 21-40 age group
50% were in the 41-60 age group
12% were in the 60+ age group

Reasons for taking part in the Screening

78% took part in the Screening for General Interest
2% took part in the Screening for no reason
6% took part in the Screening as they have pre-existing heart problems and/or risk factors
12% took part in the Screening as there is heart disease in the family
10% took part in the Screening as they have not had a check up for a long time

Have you been told that you have risk factors for heart disease

50% indicated no
46% indicated yes

Of the 50% that indicated yes, the risk factors were:

6% High Blood Pressure
4% Smoking
2% Diabetes
6% Overweight
2% Not enough exercise
12% High Cholesterol

Do you Smoke?

20% indicated that they currently smoke
68% indicated that they have never smoked
6% indicated that they used to, or haven't smoke for months

Of those that smoke 6% indicated that they were going to quit smoking soon and 10% indicated that they are currently trying to quit

Physical Activity Levels

6% indicated that they don't do any activity, but have been thinking of starting
12% indicated that they are trying to start some physical activity or have just started
72% indicated that they do regular vigorous or moderate activity

Risk Factor Awareness

38% indicated eating too much saturated fat is the cause of high blood cholesterol
30% indicated all of the fats listed were the cause of high blood cholesterol
24% indicated that they didn't know

68% indicated that carrying too much weight all over, particularly around the waist is a risk factor for heart disease
22% indicated that they didn't know

22% indicated that the Heart Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity on three days/week
40% indicated that the Heart Foundation recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate activity on most, if not all, days/week
2% indicated that you should not be physically active if they heart disease
14% indicated that the Heart Foundation recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate activity on at least two days/week
18% indicated that they didn't know

Changed Lifestyle Habits

32% indicated that they have changed lifestyle habits to decrease their risk of heart disease
44% indicated that they haven't changed lifestyle habits to decrease their risk of heart disease

Of those who said yes,

12% had cut back/given up smoking
8% had lost weight
8% had reduced cholesterol
30% had started doing some or more exercise
14% had started taking medication
42% indicated that they had changed what they ate