[AWARENESS OF THE WORKING AGE POPULATION ABOUT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: This publication focuses on role of physical activity in promoting and protecting health and well-being. Physical activity is a significant risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. The public's awareness of the risk factors of non-communicable diseases is an important component of their control. The aim: To estimate the level of knowledge of the working age population regarding the essence of a healthy lifestyle and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (with an emphasis on lack of physical activity and its consequences) according to qualitative and quantitative sociological research.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The method of in-depth interviews (N20) and the method of personalized formal interviews (N2000) have been used. The survey among the representative sample of the population of working age was carried out according to a specially developed methodology of qualitative and quantitative research stages and data collection tools. The research was conducted in 2017 on request of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration with the financial support of the World Bank.

RESULTS: Results: 90.2% of respondents are convinced of the importance of such a risk factor as hypodynamia in the onset and progression of non-communicable diseases (including cardiovascular). More than half of them consider daily exercise necessary for health. At the same time, only a third (35.1%) are engaged in physical exercises regularly. Among them, the overwhelming majority reported daily exercises (71.2%), 12.2% were engaged only on weekends. One in three considered it unnecessary to consult a physician before exercises. 55.6% of those who did not regularly engage in physical activity, the reason for this was the lack of free time, 36.1% - laziness, a quarter preferred to rest in a passive way.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions:The awareness of the population of Dnipropetrovsk region about physical activity is estimated as insufficient. There is a need for the training of family medicine specialists and information work to minimize this risk factor and develop the motivation of the population to make healthy choices, using these sociological surveys.