DIFFERENCES IN SELECTED CARDIOVASCULAR RI SK-FACTORS OF ADOLESCENTS EMPLOYED AND IN SCHOOL IN RURAL REGIONS OF STYRIA (AUSTRIA)

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.