Higher prevalence of smoking and lower BMI, waist circumference, cholesterol and triacylglyceride levels in Prague's homeless compared to a majority of the Czech population
2007

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Prague's Homeless Population

Sample size: 201 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dana Kubisová, Věra Adámková, Věra Lánská, Pavel Dlouhý, Jolana Rambousková, Michal Anděl

Primary Institution: Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague

Hypothesis

What are the cardiovascular risk factors prevalent among the homeless population in Prague compared to the general Czech population?

Conclusion

Prague's homeless population has a higher prevalence of smoking but lower levels of BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to the general Czech population.

Supporting Evidence

  • 91.4% of homeless men and 77.8% of women reported smoking.
  • Mean BMI values were within normal limits for both genders.
  • Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the homeless compared to the general population.

Takeaway

Homeless people in Prague smoke a lot more than others, but they are less likely to be overweight or have high cholesterol.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study assessing BMI, waist circumference, cholesterol, triglycerides, and smoking habits among 201 homeless individuals in Prague.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and exclusion of non-volunteers.

Limitations

The study may not represent the entire homeless population as participants were those utilizing charitable services.

Participant Demographics

201 homeless individuals (174 males, 27 females) aged 19-70 years, primarily Czech nationals.

Statistical Information

P-Value

< 0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-7-51

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