The problem of high prevalence of health risk factors does not lose its relevance in the Russian Federation. It is alarming that Russian men have a disproportionate burden of disease compared with women and this disparity is the most pronounced in the world. Preventive measures should cover not only all-risk categories but also be focused on specific age and gender cohorts of the population including retirement age.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the gender characteristics of the behavioral risk factors prevalence and psychoemotional status among pre-retirement and retirement age teachers of a medical university in order to develop the measures to maintain working capacity and professional qualifications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The observation group consisted of 169 teachers of a medical university aged 55-70 years. All of them underwent a complex of anthropometric and physiometric measurements. The levels of physical and psycho-emotional state, levels of adaptation, reactive and personal anxiety, the severity of mental and physical fatigue were assessed. Assessment of behavioral risks was carried out using the questionnaire method.
RESULTS
Male teachers in comparison with female teachers have a higher prevalence of overweight, high blood pressure; it was also revealed the significantly lower functional capabilities for a number of indicators (level of physical condition, physical and mental fatigue); differences in indicators characterizing professional stress resistance are noted. Female teachers are characterized by a higher level of reactive and personal anxiety. The typical defects of the teachers’ lifestyle have been identified. Disorders of the organization and quality nutritional value and the prevalence of risky behaviors are more typical for male teachers.
CONCLUSION
Gender features of behavioral risks and psychoemotional status were revealed among teachers of pre-retirement and retirement age which are significantly more prevalent among male teachers. Further research is needed to obtain relevant data in order to develop a program for maintaining the working capacity and professional qualifications of this contingent of workers.
