Objective: To describe risk factors, dietary knowledge and beliefs in Australian-born males of low socio-economic status (SES) in relation to coronary heart disease.
Methodology: Cross-sectional prevalence survey of 180 (99.7% of 185) selected attenders at a community health centre with a high proportion of low SES residents in Melbourne.
Results: Mean BMI and prevalence of obesity and smoking were higher than in national sample; age-weighted serum cholesterol somewhat lower. A majority believed that their diets were unhealthy and would continue to be so despite high perceived susceptibility to CHD. Seventy-two per cent wanted more dietary information and GPs were the most commonly nominated preferred source for this information.
Conclusion: GPs have an important role in targeting this 'at risk' group in order to address the knowledge gaps and misconceptions identified in the study and to encourage appropriate behaviour and risk factor modification.