Evaluation of population's commitment to healthy nutrition and physical culture (by results of the questionnaire)

Abstract

One of the main tasks in implementing the foundations of state policy in the field of a healthy lifestyle of the population is the formation of optimal nutritional status and the preservation of public health. In this regard, issues of a comprehensive self-assessment of health by the population are becoming particularly relevant. The aim of the research was to identify the degree of commitment of the population to a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet and the presence of physical activity, as well as the relationship between the respondents' lifestyle and the presence of non-communicable diseases. Material and methods. A random survey of the adult population of the Rybno-Slobodsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan has been conducted. In total, 2346 respondents aged 21 to 74 (women - 71.7%, people with higher education - 33.2%) took part in the survey. For this study, a questionnaire was developed to identify the attitude of the population to a healthy lifestyle (HLS), which included questions regarding the physical activity of respondents, their commitment to healthy eating and diet, the existence of pernicious habits (drinking, smoking), and the presence of noncommunicable diseases. In the framework of this article, two factors were analyzed: the population's commitment to a balanced diet and physical activity, as well as the relationship of these factors with the presence of non-communicable diseases among respondents. Results and discussion. Data analysis showed that 18.8% of women and 14.1% of men always adhere to healthy eating and proper diet. Women are more committed to healthy eating than men (p<0.001). Regularly (2-3 times a week), 21.4% of women and 18.1% of men are engaged in exercise (a sport or physical activity), that is only 20.6% of respondents (p<0.001). The percentage of people committed to healthy nutrition was almost equal, both in the group of those with and without cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (19.5 and 17.4%, respectively). Among people who regularly engage in physical activity and sports (2-3 times a week), 27.5% of respondents have CVD, while among those who do not engage in exercise, 64.2% of individuals have CVD (p<0.001). Among those who adhered to a balanced diet, gastrointestinal diseases were observed in 14.1% of the respondents, while among the respondents who did not adhere to healthy eating, gastrointestinal diseases were observed in 83.7% (p<0.001). Conclusion Among respondents who adhere to healthy eating and diet and physical activity, non-communicable diseases and stress are less common (according to the respondents' answers). The results of a self-assessment (questionnaire) of public health can be used to develop targeted program of treatment and preventive measures to build community commitment in the Rybno-Slobodsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan to healthy lifestyle.