Vol 7, No 4 (2003)
Original paper
Published online: 2003-09-24
Screening of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Political and Opinion Leaders as Constructive Lobbing for Efficient Cardiovascular Prevention in Poland
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2003;7(4):235-244.
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main health problem in Poland. Every second death in Poland is caused by CVD. We decided to use modern social marketing methods to present current epidemiological situation to political leaders and key opinion leaders in Poland. We also assessed their individual and
collective CVD risk.
Material and methods The research was carried out on the following groups: members of executive bodies of two largest trade unions in Poland (members of the National Commission of NSZZ “Solidarność”, members of the OPZZ Council), participants of the Polish Hygiene Society Congress, representatives of Health Insurance Board and Local Government in the administrative district (voivodeship) of Pomerania, journalists (press and radio), Members of the Polish Parliament. The study consisted of: a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, cholesterol and glucose level tests.
The results were presented to examined subjects in the form of an educational conference held on the same day.
Results In the examined groups: awareness of one’s own blood pressure was declared 41–81% of the subjects. Increased blood pressure (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg, or antihypertensive medication) was found in 32–66% of cases. Overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was found in 31–85% of the examined persons. Cigarette smoking was declared by 17–32%. Elevated cholesterol level was found in 53–72%.
Conclusions 1. Prevalence of increased blood pressure, overweight and obesity among the examined groups of opinion leaders was higher than among corresponding age subgroups representative for the general Polish population. 2. Awareness of one’s own BP and awareness of overweight among the examined groups of opinion leaders was better than among corresponding age subgroups representative of the general Polish population. 3. The idea to present of current epidemiological situation by assessment of individual and collective CVD risk appeared to be an effective method of education and constructive lobbing for fight against an epidemic of myocardial infarctions and strokes in Poland.
Material and methods The research was carried out on the following groups: members of executive bodies of two largest trade unions in Poland (members of the National Commission of NSZZ “Solidarność”, members of the OPZZ Council), participants of the Polish Hygiene Society Congress, representatives of Health Insurance Board and Local Government in the administrative district (voivodeship) of Pomerania, journalists (press and radio), Members of the Polish Parliament. The study consisted of: a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, cholesterol and glucose level tests.
The results were presented to examined subjects in the form of an educational conference held on the same day.
Results In the examined groups: awareness of one’s own blood pressure was declared 41–81% of the subjects. Increased blood pressure (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg, or antihypertensive medication) was found in 32–66% of cases. Overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was found in 31–85% of the examined persons. Cigarette smoking was declared by 17–32%. Elevated cholesterol level was found in 53–72%.
Conclusions 1. Prevalence of increased blood pressure, overweight and obesity among the examined groups of opinion leaders was higher than among corresponding age subgroups representative for the general Polish population. 2. Awareness of one’s own BP and awareness of overweight among the examined groups of opinion leaders was better than among corresponding age subgroups representative of the general Polish population. 3. The idea to present of current epidemiological situation by assessment of individual and collective CVD risk appeared to be an effective method of education and constructive lobbing for fight against an epidemic of myocardial infarctions and strokes in Poland.
Keywords: lobbingopinion leaderspreventioncardiovascular diseases