Cent Eur J Public Health 2004, 12(2):63-68

Sociodemographic and Clinical Determinants of Quality of Life in Urban Population of Poland

Kwaśniewska M., Bielecki W., Drygas W.

Department of Social and Preventive Medicine,Medical University of Łódź, Poland

WHO Collaborating Center for Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention

The aim of the study was to assess quality of life (QL) of residents of Polish urban area and analyze the influence of selected sociodemographic and clinical variables on their QL. The study revealed a very high level of reported problems, especially regarding pain and anxiety. The mean subjective assessment of health state was poor in comparison with results obtained in other (usually western) countries. Presence of major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases had an important impact on QL. Elevated blood pressure and unsatisfactory level of physical activity were the strongest factors deteriorating QL in the studied population. There is a need for implementing effective interventions in the society, especially in the area of prevention and management of hypertension and sedentary lifestyle.

Keywords: quality of life, Poland, risk factors, hypertension, physical activity, smoking, cholesterol

Received: November 3, 2003; Revised: March 1, 2004; Accepted: March 1, 2004; Published: June 1, 2004  Show citation