Population, health and risk factors in a transitional economy

Abstract

This paper investigates the health status of the population in a transition economy. Against a background of falling living standards compounded by the widening income inequality a deterioration of health status has been outlined. Drawing upon a consumer survey carried out in the capital Bucharest, risk factors are highlighted. Respondents’ age, income, and health motivation are the most significant variables which differentiate between smokers and non-smokers. Respondent’s age and sex are significant factors predicting the physical exercise status. Additionally, respondent’s level of education is a significant predictor of the time spent on physical exercise. The implications of the study for health policy makers are finally discussed. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2006Risk factors, Smoking, Physical exercise, Health motivation, Health policy,

Factors influencing consumer dietary health preventative behaviours

“…Negative effects of fat consumption and positive effects of fruit/vegetables consumption on all causes mortality and premature death were reported [ 4 ]. Lifestyle factors (diet, cigarette smoking) compounded by economic hardship are thought to account for a large proportion of the disparity between life expectancy in the European Union (EU) and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) [ 5 - 7 ]. Romania has received little attention as far as health and risk factors are concerned [ 8 ].…”