Evaluation of the nutritional habits of the population of the Stavropol Territory and risk factors for the development of diseases associated with nutrition

Abstract

The study and assessment of the nutritional characteristics of the population makes it possible to detect risk factors for metabolic disorders and the development of chronic non-infectious diseases associated with nutrition, which proves the relevance of the study. The purpose of this article is to study the nutritional characteristics of the population of the Stavropol Territory and identify risk factors for the development of diseases associated with nutrition. For this purpose, 3986 people of the Stavropol Territory aged from 31 to 55 were surveyed and questioned, who were divided into two groups: urban population — 1783 people, rural population — 2203 people. The data of anthropometric studies (height, weight, waist and hip circumference) were collected by a generalizing method using an electronic scale (with an accuracy of 0.2 kg), measurement of height — using a stadiometer (with an accuracy of 0.1 cm), followed by calculating the value of the body mass index (BMI). In 300 people (150 urban dwellers and 150 rural dwellers), the total cholesterol content in the blood was studied, which was determined by the enzymatic colorimetric method. The glucose content was determined by the glucose oxidase method. The excretion of iodine in the urine was determined in the morning portion of urine by the cerium-arsenite method with wet ashing of the sediment. Diagnostics of the elemental status of the population was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry with direct determination of chemical elements. According to the results of the survey, it was found that the risk factors for the development of health disorders in the population of the Stavropol Territory should be considered excessive nutrition in combination with high levels of cholesterol and glucose in the blood, iodine deficiency, decreased levels of calcium, copper, zinc, and low physical activity. More than half of the overweight or obese population had a combination of 3–6 risk factors that worsen their health.