Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in staff of aboveground and underground rail transport in Moscow

Abstract

Aim. To study modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among rail transport workers, depending on the place of work: Russian Railways and Moscow Metro.Material and methods. The study involved 2638 workers of locomotive crews: 778 persons worked at Russian Railways, 1860 — Moscow Metro. The workers were offered a questionnaire assessing general data, features of medical activity, and lifestyle. The collection and processing of data was carried out using Microsoft Excel and Statistica programs.Results. The studied groups were comparable in age structure. Slightly above 40% of respondents in both groups currently smoked, while ~70% did not eat enough vegetables. Workers of Russian Railways were 2 times more likely to drink alcohol ≥2 times a week and 1,2 times more likely to eat at fast food restaurants. Also, ~40% of participants in both groups often or always added salt to food, almost 20% did not engage in athletics. Workers of Russian Railways were less physically active. Moscow Metro workers ate less regularly and did not consume enough fruit. The average body mass index of both groups corresponded to overweight.Conclusion. The leading behavioral risk factors for CVD in rail transport workers are insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits, low physical activity, and smoking. The obtained results will allow to improve the guidelines for lifestyle modification of rail transport workers, to develop and refine corporate programs for primary CVD prevention.