engleski

Prevalence of the classical cardiovascular risk factors in Roma minority population of Croatia

Roma are an ethnic minority of northern Indian origin. They are well known for preserved traditions and resistance to assimilation and therefore usually marginalized economically, spatially, politically and in terms of culture. Since the current knowledge about the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Roma population is scarce, the objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases' risk factors. A multidisciplinary community-based study was carried out in rural areas of the two regions of Croatia – Baranja and Međimurje. The sample encompassed a total of 423 randomly selected members (144 men and 279 women) of the Bayash Roma minority population aged 18-84 (41.1+15.2). The presented results have shown that this population bears a high CVD risk factors load. It is related to smoking, obesity, and high glucose and lipids levels. We expect that, along with westernization of their life-style and increase of their economic power, the proportion of CVD will also increase.

CVD; risk factors; Roma population; Croatia; anthropology

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