Total blood cholesterol and contributory risk factors in an adolescent population.

Total blood cholesterol (TBC) levels and contributory risk factors in an adolescent population were investigated. Existing TBC screening records were reviewed on 452 10th grade students in two schools. The sample consisted of 52% males and 48% females whose mean age was 15.47 years. Blood samples were analyzed by the Reflotron. Risk factors investigated included age, gender, ethnicity, individual and family history of high cholesterol, history of high blood pressure, smoking tobacco products, and oral contraceptive use. The sample mean for TBC was 150.61. The only significant factors identified by ANOVA were gender and use of oral contraceptives. Females had higher TBC levels than males, and females who used oral contraceptives had higher TBC levels than nonusers.