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risk factors ; coronary heart disease ; education ; men
Abstract:
Coronary heart disease (CHD) presents a significant health problem among Polish population. Education aiming to provide skills and knowledge on how to combat CHD risk factors constitutes a significant health promotion tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the educational program on the frequency and intensity of CHD risk factors. Sixty four men under the age of 50 without CHD were included. All underwent clinical, biochemical and psychological examinations. Most participants presented classical risks factors: smoking, obesity, limited physical activity, high stress and total cholesterol levels, lack ofknowledge on CHD. The average number of risk factors per person was 8.8, and the maximum reached 17. The educational program consisted of six 2 hour units and 6 month physical training was offered to every participant. The middle-tenn effects were evaluated 6 months after its end. The participants divided spontaneously in two -statistically comparable- groups: active in the educational program (A=31) and a passive- the control group (B=33). The results in the group A were better than in the group B (p=2E-05). The significant decrease in the total number of risk factors (p<5E-06) and the number of transgressions (p<0.0001) was registered only in group A. The improvement included mainly the increase in physical activity, decrease in effort myocardium oxyg ; en demand, improved nutrition habits and knowledge about CHO and better coping style reaction in stressful situations.