[Life style and prevention of heart disease in Denmark. Changes in knowledge and behavior of the population from 1982 to 1992].

Changes during the period 1982 to 1992 in lifestyle and knowledge of risk factors for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in Danish adults were assessed by comparing questionnaire data collected in two independent cross-sectional studies. In 1982 the participation rate was 79% among 4807 randomly selected men and women aged 30, 40, 50 and 60 years. In 1992 it was 73% among 2226 randomly selected men and women of similar ages. From 1982 to 1992 the proportion of participants stating that exercise, eating a low-fat diet, avoiding overweight and not smoking reduces the risk of IHD increased. During the same period, the proportion of smokers of men who did not eat vegetables daily, and of men and women who had butter, fat or margarine daily decreased. The changes were seen predominantly among salaried employees and those with a vocational education and social differences were enhanced. The changes in knowledge and lifestyle reflect the topics or which the general educational effort has focussed and are in accordance with results from comparable studies in the USA. Apparently, however, only in the higher social classes is the acquired knowledge associated with change of lifestyle.