Gender Differences in the Dynamics of Attitudes towards the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Population Aged 25-64 Years from 1988 To 2017

Abstract

The aim: To determine gender differences in the dynamics of attitudes towards the cardiovascular prevention in an open population of 25-64 years over a long-term period - 29 years in Russia / Siberia (Novosibirsk). Methods: Within the framework of the screening in 1988-89 under the WHO MONICA-psychosocial (MOPSY) program (n=1676, 49.5% males, mean age 44.1±0.4 years), MOPSY screening in 1994-95 (n=1527, 43% males, mean age 44.85 ± 0.4 years), in 2003-2005 under the international project HAPIEE (n=1650, 34,9% males, mean age 54,25±0,2 years), in 2013-2016 (n=975, 43,8% males, mean age 34,5±0,4 years) and 2016-2017 гг.( n=663, 41,3% years 51,95±0,32 years) within the framework of the budgetary theme No. АААА-А17-117112850280-2, random representative samples of men and women in one of districts in Novosibirsk were examined. Attitude towards preventive methods and health care utilization were assessed using the questionnaire "Knowledge and attitude towards own's health". Results: About 100% male and female population aged of 25-64 years considered it probable "to develop a serious illness within the next 5-10 years" in 1988. This proportion has not changed significantly by 2017. In 1988, men more often than women certainly believed that they would avoid serious illness if they took action on their own health. In subsequent years of observation these sex differences in responses were erased. Belief in the power of medicine to prevent all or most of the heart disease was present among young men in 2013 and 2017. In comparison with them, women are more balanced about the preventive possibilities of medicine. Despite the fact that 100% of men and women in the open population 25-64 years find "preventive health screening" useful, only 6.8% of males and 3% of females were regularly checked by a doctor in 1988. In 2016-2017, the frequency of regular health checks exceeded the 10% in middle-aged groups. An equal proportion of men and women - 67% sought medical help only in case of chest pain, and 11-12% would not go to a doctor even with intense pain; by 2017, their share had decreased to 6.5%. Conclusions: Among those who consider it likely to have a serious illness, only one of ten is regularly checked by a doctor. At the same time, men are more likely than women to shift responsibility for their health to the preventive capabilities of medicine. Keywords: awareness, cardiovascular prevention, sex differences, population, healthcare utilization