engleski

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Rural Area of Croatia

Rural areas, where 47.6% of the total Croatian population lives, fall out of research focus and understanding of changes which overtake rural population. Rural communities show a health disadvantage in many health measures. The aim of this study is to present specific health needs and related determinants of rural population influenced by transition and affected by war and post-war consequences. The focus of the research is pointed into rural lifestyle, behaviour and cardiovascular risk factors in three villages of Sisačko-moslavačka County. Results show that participants understand that their own lifestyles influence their health, but they do not accept change in their behaviour which could be explained through complex socio-economic conditions and traditional values of their heritage. The results suggest a need to focus further research on health status, attitude and behaviour of rural population in Croatia. Specific public health intervention and services for rural population have to be developed.

cardiovascular disease; risk factors; rural population; health care; health status

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