Cholesterol-related health behaviors in rural elderly persons.

1. Hypercholesterolemia in the elderly is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 2. Elderly subjects were found to be concerned about their cholesterol, but awareness of beneficial cholesterol reduction strategies and desirable cholesterol levels were low. 3. Major concerns for the rural elder are accessibility to cholesterol screening, explanation of the results of screening, and education about dietary interventions. 4. Nurses developing health promotion programs for rural elders need to incorporate methods which promote accessibility to screening and follow-up, understandable written information, and family support.