Self-preservation practices of the population

Abstract

Introduction. Based on the available data, the main practices of self-preservation behavior of the population 15 years and older are studied. An individual’s self-preservation behavior is considered in two main areas: everyday life - behavior for preventing illness and during illness (contacting a medical professional).Materials and methods. State statistics data were used as an empirical basis; results of selective monitoring of the population’s health status for the period from 2019 to 2023; database of the Russian Monitoring of Economics and Health (RLMS-HSE) for the period from 1994 to 2022. The data made it possible to consider the problem of self-preservation behavior in dynamics and in the context of socio-demographic groups.Results. In Russia, there are few people with a high commitment to a healthy life: 7.0% of men and 10.9% of women. Few people eat enough fruits and vegetables every day: 14.2% of the population (2022 - 12.0%), rural population - 15.9%, urban population - 13.6%. There are regional differences in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which may be related to the availability and eating habits of the population.In some types of behavior, people began to behave more responsibly. The majority of the population (68.8%) do not smoke and have not smoked before; 12.3% have quit smoking. For women, the dynamics have not changed over 26 years, but men began to smoke 18.6% less. Alcohol consumption has decreased significantly; representatives of the 35-54 year old group (every tenth) consume it more often. Positive dynamics in physical activity; currently, more than half of citizens are systematically involved in physical culture and sports - 56.8% (according to the Ministry of Sports). In case of health problems, one third of Russians (37.8% of men and 39.5% of women) went to a polyclinic, to a doctor, the majority treated themselves, the situation worsened with the onset of the pandemic in 2020.Conclusion. In general, the behavior of the population for the purpose of health prevention has a positive trend, but remains at a low level and cannot make a significant contribution to improving the health of the population. At the same time, population activity during the period of illness also remains at a low level, and there is no positive dynamics. Against the backdrop of increasing morbidity, more than half of citizens do not consult a doctor during illness and engage in self-treatment.