In June 2024, five academics from the School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Central Lancashire produced a research paper for BIDA, the British International Doctors Association. It was titled:

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

Authors:

  • Dr Chiranjeevi Kumar Endukuru, PhD (Medical Physiology). Lecturer in Medical Sciences. Email: ckendukuru@uclan.ac.uk
  • Professor Romesh Gupta, OBE MD FRCP MBA, Chairman of National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, Hon. Professor of Medicine Email: Rgupta7@uclan.ac.uk
  • Dr Alpana Rajesh Asurlekar, MBBS, DGO, Senior Lecturer in Medical Sciences. Email:  Aasurlekar@uclan.ac.uk
  • Dr Rajesh Vasant Asurlekar, MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics), Lecturer in Medical Sciences. Email: RVAsurlekar@uclan.ac.uk
  • Dr Pinkesh Rao, MBBS, Senior Lecturer in Physiology. Email: prao@uclan.ac.uk

All at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.

The following is reproduced by kind permission of BIDA.

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, held in Preston and Burnley, in assessing diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. 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 Wellbeing (NFHW) and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Medicine and Dentistry, was conducted in Preston on Apr 13 and in Burnley on May 11. Health screenings were provided to 170 participants in Preston and 71 in Burnley, with data analysis performed on 149 and 56 complete datasets, respectively. Participants underwent assessments, including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and blood biochemistry. Both participant and student feedback were collected to gauge the impact of the Health Melas.

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.

The full paper can be downloaded using the following link: Health Mela Research Article for BIDA – June 2024