E. Rasky et al., DIFFERENCES IN SELECTED CARDIOVASCULAR RI SK-FACTORS OF ADOLESCENTS EMPLOYED AND IN SCHOOL IN RURAL REGIONS OF STYRIA (AUSTRIA), Sozial- und Praventivmedizin, 41(6), 1996, pp. 348-358
Demographic data, components of lifestyles such as risk behavior; heal
th complaints, illnesses and utilization of preventive and curative se
rvices were surveyed through a health survey conducted in 73 selected
rural communities of Styria between 1989 and 1993. Our research focuss
ed on the stratification of cardiovascular risk factors such as smokin
g, high blood pressure, unhealthy nutrition, low physical activity and
obesity in adolescents employed or attending school. The sample compr
ises 1239 adolescents divided into two groups: 651 were employed and 5
88 were in school. We could show that even at such a young age signifi
cant differences occur in the distribution of cardiovascular risk fact
ors between these two groups. The employed adolescents were far more s
tressed than those of their age group attending school. Generally the
females are less strained than the males. Our results suggest that eff
icient programs to prevent cardiovascular disease need to specifically
focus on the various life contexts of young people. Such programs sho
uld start al an early date.