[Characteristics of the work site and their relevance for cardiovascular risk factors; consequences for prevention from an epidemiologic viewpoint].

Although standard risk factors are clearly related to cardiovascular diseases; even taken together they account for about half of the incidence rates in prospective studies. Therefore psychosocial variables - among them work related characteristics - are of increasing significance for research and prevention in CHD. Thus, an enlarged version of the KARASEK-conception was studied in the GDR-MONICA-Population, aged 25 to 64 years. Additional to the original Karasek-questionnaire, the more "objective" work characteristics as well as the scale "Social Interaction at workplace" are implemented. Based on data of this study, the usefulness but also the limitations of the diversified Karasek conception (Job Demands, Decision Latitude, Social Interaction at work) are demonstrated. In spite of the relevance for smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol and overweight of the Karasek-model recommended also the objective work characteristics as well as other mediating variables should be taken into account. As a consequence from our results, the GDR-MONICA-center has started a research programme which uses a complex system of diagnostic methods, among them the following conceptions: --Health knowledge/Attitudes --Social support/social network variables --Vital exhaustion --Life events --mediating personality factors (Type-A behaviour pattern etc.) together with other lifestyle-related factors, for instance physical activity, nutrition and smoking habits. Results from this multifactorial and integrative MONICA-Psychosocial study can be expected in the near future.