The Impact of Medical and Non-Medical Factors on Population Mortality: Phenotype and Behavioral Factors

Abstract

The secondary analysis of results of studies evaluating impact of genetic, phenotype and behavioral factors on indices of population mortality was implemented. The database included accessible publications in print and e-format (MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI, Web of Science) in Russian and English from 1990 to November 2015. The heredity apparently impacts life-span of a single individual. However, there is no reliable data testifying its input into level of mortality and life-span at the population level. The human gender is the most demonstrative inherent characteristic effecting population mortality: in all countries life-span of females is higher than in males. The search of scientific proves of availability of such phenomenon as "premature aging" that, according to preliminary data, is related to conditions and style of life. The role and significance of such "traditional" risk factors as surplus body mass index, sedentary way of life is reconsidered. The dominant convictions concerning negative effect of sedentary life and surplus body weight require additional reliable argumentation. The aggressive behavior, extreme hobbies, asocial life-style increase individual risk of premature death while population mortality depends on percentage of individuals with such characteristics. The implementation of inherent characteristics of human organism in many respects depends on conditions and style of life of a particular individual. The prevalence of risk factors in population has no linear relationship with level of mortality.