Evaluating Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk at Health Melasin Preston and Burnley: Promoting Lifestyle Changes, Enhancing Healthcare Management, and Providing Hands-On Experience for Students

Abstract

Background: Community health events such as Health Melas are critical in identifying undiagnosed health conditions and promoting public health. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Health Melas in evaluating diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Preston and Burnley. It also explores the dual benefits of these events in enhancing healthcare management and providing practical training for students. Methods: The Health Mela 2024, a collaborative effort between the National Forum for Health and Well-being (NFHW) and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Medicine and Dentistry, was conducted in Preston on April 13 and in Burnley on May 11. A total of 170 participants in Preston and 71 in Burnley utilised the health screening facilities at the health mela. Data analysis was performed on 149 complete datasets in Preston and 56 in Burnley. Participants underwent assessments, including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and blood biochemistry. We gathered student feedback through a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate how the health Melas have influenced their practical experience. Results: Out of the 205 participants analysed, 64 were healthy,48 had previously diagnosed conditions, and 93 were newly diagnosed with conditions including obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Specifically, 20 participants were newly identified as obese, 41 had dyslipidaemia, 20 had hypertension, and 12 had diabetes. High diabetes risk was noted in 37 participants, and elevated CVD risk was found in 36 participants. All newly diagnosed individuals were referred to their General Practitioners (GPs) for further management. Students reported significant improvements in clinical skills and community health understanding. Conclusion: The Health Melas in Preston and Burnley successfully identified many undiagnosed diabetes and CVD cases, underscoring the importance of community health screenings. These events facilitated the early detection and management of chronic conditions and provided invaluable hands-on experience for students. Future initiatives should incorporate long-term follow-up and leverage technology to enhance the sustainability and impact of community health interventions.