Nutrition and environmental risk factors of deaths of men in the Podlasie Region

Syczewska K, Szpak A

The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors in early deaths of men living in the north-eastern region of Poland.
The study involved a population of 1 000 men employed in an industrial firm in the region. The observation was carried out in the years 1987-98. At the start, the age of the men ranged between 25 and 54 years (mean 35 years). Health problems of men included hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, as well as deaths and their causes. Environmental, economic and social conditions, nourishment and dietary habits with reference to health state were evaluated. The findings were elaborated using logistic analysis and the method of proportional Cox gambling.
During the 11-year observation period 40 men died, including 17 due to cardiovascular disorders. The overall risk factors were age, marital status (single) and increased alcohol consumption. Predictors of death due to cardiovascular diseases included age, abnormal arterial blood pressure and low intake of carbohydrates and vitamin C.