The influence of gender on selected risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in patients hospitalized in surgical wards: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) are the leading cause of mortality in the world. Identification of risk factors and the implementation of preventive measures can effectively reduce the chance of disease and death due to CNCDs.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze selected risk factors of CNCDs in women and men hospitalized in surgical wards.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group included 420 patients aged 18-84 years who were hospitalized in surgical wards. All participants were interviewed prior to anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and fasting blood tests. A statistical analysis of the material was performed with the use of Student's t-test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The analysis of the study material showed abdominal obesity in 63% of patients, more likely in women (p < 0.001); increased total cholesterol values in 30% of patients, more frequently in women (p = 0.025); blood pressure values ≥140/90 mm Hg in 28% of patients, more frequently in men (p < 0.001); alcohol abuse (≥5 points in the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, MAST) in 12.6% of patients, more frequently in men (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both women and men are at risk of developing CNCDs; however, women should pay more attention to psychological counseling and the prevention of obesity and hypercholesterolemia, while men should be educated on how to prevent hypertension and alcohol abuse.