Incidence of Risk Factors of Chronic Non-infectious Diseases Including Socioeconomic Factors in the Urban Middle Age Population in the Czech Republic – Results of HELEN Study

Overview

Background.
After 1990, there was a significant decline in total standardized mortality in the Czech Republic. One of the potential causes comprises improved lifestyle. The aim of this report is to present data concerning the lifestyle of the middle-aged urban population and incidence of risk factors of chronic non-infectious diseases associated with lifestyle, including socioeconomic markers as important health determinants. 

Methods and Results.
In 1998–2002, a total of 27 cities in the Czech Republic were tested for population health and associated behavioural patterns. In each city 400 male and 400 female subjects aged 45–54 years were randomly selected. Half of this sample was encouraged to undergo medical examination. Resulting data showed that 52.2 % of men and 54.6 % of women had insufficient physical activity. A total of 43.1 % men and 34.9 % women were regular smokers and 24.1 % men and 21.2 % suffered from obesity. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease was detected in 18 % of men and 1.2 % of women. Gender differences for all of these markers were statistically significant. A statistically significant relationship concerning socio-economic markers and health condition was recorded. 

Conclusions.
Although relatively well aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the middle-aged urban population showed high incidence of influenceable risk factors for chronic diseases. Men compared to women had higher rates of risk factors and were at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. 

Key words:
urban population, risk factors, lifestyle, socio–economic markers.