Published in:
01-04-2010 | Short Communication
Ethnicity/Race, Use of Pharmacotherapy, Scope of Physician-Ordered Cholesterol Screening, and Provision of Diet/Nutrition or Exercise Counseling during US Office-Based Visits by Patients with Hyperlipidemia
Published in: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs | Issue 2/2010
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
Elevation of serum cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is recognized as one of the major modifiable risk factors in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. On a US population basis, there has been a downward trend in total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, and an increase in cholesterol screening. Nevertheless, previous research suggests that there remain racial/ethnic disparities in the access to and quality of care for hyperlipidemia.
Objective
The aim of this study was to examine the extent of racial/ethnic disparities in the provision of pharmacotherapy, cholesterol screening and diet/nutrition or exercise counseling during US office-based physician-patient encounters (visits) by patients with hyperlipidemia.
Methods
We examined data from the 2005 US National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for office-based visits for hyperlipidemia for patients aged ≥20 years in terms of prescribing for hyperlipidemia, and the ordering/provision of cholesterol testing, diet/nutrition counseling, and exercise counseling.
Results
Use of pharmacotherapy for hyperlipidemia varied by ethnicity/race (χ2, p<0.05). Physician-ordered/provided cholesterol screening occurred in 44.2% of all office-based visits; 46.5% for Whites, 35.4% for Blacks, and 30.3% for Hispanics (χ2, p< 0.05). Diet/nutrition counseling was ordered/provided in 39.7% of office-based visits; 40.4% for Whites, 32.6% for Blacks, and 39.0% for Hispanics (χ2, p<0.05). Exercise counseling was ordered/provided in 32.1% of office-based visits; 32.7% for Whites, 27.2% for Blacks, and 30.6% for Hispanics (χ2, p<0.05).
Conclusion
These findings reveal a disparity in use of pharmacotherapy for hyperlipidemia, physicianordered/provided cholesterol screening, diet/nutrition counseling, and exercise counseling by ethnicity/race. Further research is required to discern, in greater detail, reasons for the observed differences reported, and to ensure equitable access to established standards of care.