Obesity and Overweight Among Rural Residents as a Health Problem on the Example of Patients from Farmer Rehabilitation Center of Krus (Centrum Rehabilitacji Rolników Krus) in Jedlce

Purpose: One of the objectives of this research study was to find out what health habits and behaviours characterize the patients of the Rehabilitation Center in Jedlec and whether selected socio-demographic factors influence them.

Methods: The study included 612 farmers. The respondents were asked to complete an original questionnaire consisting of questions on socio-demographic data, subjective assessment of their own health, use of stimulants and physical activity. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 29.0.

Results: Among the subjects, the largest group was overweight (37.7%). There was no statistically significant relationship between normal weight, overweight and obesity and subjective assessment of health (p=0.320) and subjective assessment of body composition (p=0.001). The women surveyed had a lower overall BMI than men (p=0.001). Analysis of the number of meals consumed showed that most of the respondents consumed up to 3 meals a day (42.8%). The results of the statistical analysis showed no differences between age (p=0.128), education (p=0.506) and BMI (p=0.859) and the amount of meals consumed. Statistical analysis of education and smoking among the respondents showed that the frequency of smoking decreases as the level of education increases (p=0.001). The older the person, the more frequent alcohol consumption (p=0.002). There was no statistically significant relationship between respondents’ education and alcohol consumption (p=0.741). Women were more likely than men to have performed intensive (p=0.046) and moderate (p=0.046) physical activities in the last 7 days before coming to the centre. As education increased, the frequency of performing intensive (p=0.030) and moderate (p=0.030). physical activities in the last 7 days preceding arrival at the centre increased. BMI did not affect the performance of intensive (p=0.695) and moderate (p=0.695) physical activities in the last 7 days preceding arrival at the centre.

Conclusions: Overweight and obesity is a common problem of the elderly population. To prevent it, a systemic change in health habits, regular physical activity and a reduction in the frequency of alcohol consumption and smoking are required.