COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Youth Cholesterol Screening Rates

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic and conflicting guidelines have hindered youth cholesterol screening rates. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin analyzed electronic health record data from a single academic institution, revealing significant declines in screening rates during the pandemic. The study period was divided into five stages: pre-pandemic, mid-pandemic, late-pandemic, post-pandemic, and post-guideline. The research concluded that discrepancies persist in access to youth cholesterol screening.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in youth cholesterol screening rates, with a 73.3% baseline OPR (Order Placement Rate) decreasing to 35.2% in the post-guideline stage.
  • The screening rate decline was sharper during the post-pandemic and post-guideline stages, with a significant difference between the ages of 9-11 years and 17-21 years (post-guideline OPR: 35.1% versus 46.9%).
  • Urban underserved and urban advantaged areas had higher OPRs, while family medicine and pediatrics declined (p < 0.01).
  • The study highlights the need for consistent guidelines and increased access to youth cholesterol screening in the academic center.

Statistics:

  • Baseline OPR prior to 3/18/2019: 73.3%
  • Pre-pandemic OPR: 73.3%
  • Mid-pandemic OPR: 70.9%
  • Late-pandemic OPR: 65.4%
  • Post-pandemic OPR: 47.6%
  • Post-guideline OPR: 35.2%
  • Post-guideline OPR for youth 9-11 years: 35.1%
  • Post-guideline OPR for youth 17-21 years: 46.9%

Sources:

  • "Changes In Youth Cholesterol Screening Rates In an Academic Center During the Covid-19 Pandemic" (2025)
  • Pediatrics Week (May 17, 2025)
  • University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Dept. of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology
  • PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/)
  • Springer (www.springer.com)
  • Pediatric Cardiology (www.springerlink.com/content/0172-0643/)