ABSTRACT
<p>Approximately 14.1 million patients have dyslipidemia in Japan. Promotion of self-medication for the prevention of dyslipidemia is needed. After a change in law in 2014, residents of Japan are allowed to measure HbA1c, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by self-blood sampling from the fingers under the guidance of pharmacists. In this study, we held an event to measure the lipid levels within a community and evaluated the usefulness of a simple measurement for the early detection of dyslipidemia. Furthermore, we surveyed community members’ knowledge of dyslipidemia by self-questionnaires. Of the 48 local residents who came to the event, 45 had their lipids measured and answered the questionnaires. In 12 applicants, HDL-cholesterol or non-HDL-cholesterol, which are not affected by meals, exceeded the standard range. In the questionnaire study, 89% of applicants selected arteriosclerosis as the main consequence of dyslipidemia. Additionally, over 82% of applicants selected blue-backed fish, dietary fiber, and soybeans as food items that inhibit the rise in lipid levels. However, only 31% of applicants recognized that fruits also affect lipid levels. Although it was disappointing that 60% of applicants did not know that they could measure HbA1c and lipids at community pharmacies, 62% desired measurement of those levels in the future. This study suggested that the simple lipid measurement is useful for the early detection of dyslipidemia but local residents need to be informed about it. Furthermore, improvement in the recognition of dyslipidemia by local residents is needed.</p>