Showing papers by "Pekka Puska published in 1990"

Eight-Year Follow-Up Results of an Adolescent Smoking Prevention Program: The North Karelia Youth Project.

Abstract: In the North Karelia Youth Program five to 10 classroom sessions over two years taught skills to resist pressures to start smoking to 13 to 15 year old students Compared to students from comparison schools, the treatment groups reported less smoking immediately after the intervention and in a four-year follow-up survey At the eight-year follow-up, there was consistent evidence of possible preventive effects only among those who had been non-smokers when the program began

Serum cholesterol distribution, measurement frequency and cholesterol awareness in three geographical areas of Finland.

Abstract: The serum cholesterol distribution in three geographical areas of Finland was examined during the first and the second FINMONICA surveys in 1982 and 1987. The mean serum cholesterol concentration changed very little during this observation period. In 1987 the population mean (+/- SD) was 6.12 +/- 1.26 mmoll-1 in men aged 25-64 years and 5.96 +/- 1.28 mmoll-1 in women. Only approximately 20% of the Finns had their serum cholesterol at the level which is regarded as desirable by recent international recommendations. The frequency of cholesterol measurements increased in Finland, especially in North Karelia, from 1972 to 1977 but since then no further increase has taken place. From 1982 to 1987 the proportion of subjects whose cholesterol level was over 6.5 mmoll-1 and who reported knowing that their cholesterol was high increased from 27% to 31% in men and from 24% to 34% in women, respectively. It is concluded that approximately 45% of the adult Finnish population is at moderately increased risk and further 33% at considerably increased risk of coronary heart disease because of the elevated serum cholesterol.

Predictors of high functional capacity and mortality in elderly Finnish men.

Abstract: Factors predicting high functional capacity in old age and 25-year mortality were studied in 1711 men aged 40 to 59 years. The study population was that of the East-West Study, i.e. the Finnish part of the Seven Countries Study. After the 25-year follow-up (in 1984) 766 men were still alive. Nonsmoking and good pulmonary function in earlier middle-age and the absence of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease or emphysema in later middle-age predicted high functional capacity in old age. High systolic blood pressure, low forced vital capacity, smoking, and the presence of coronary heart disease predicted mortality in the next 10 to 25 years. Although mortality rates were higher in eastern Finland, the predictors were similar in both the eastern and the southwestern parts of the country. (Aging 2: 65–77, 1990)

Dietary fat and blood pressure in humans

Abstract: The regulation of blood pressure by dietary means represents an important approach toward the reduction of morbidity and mortality of heart disease. The results of our dietary intervention studies demonstrated that a lowered saturated fat, higher polyunsaturated fat diet had a lowering effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a lowering effect on blood lipids. These beneficial effects were accomplished without drastic changes in the typical Western diet. The amount of meat, dairy products, fish and eggs was not altered from the usual intake, while the intake of fruits, vegetables and grains increased. As a consequence of altering the diet, we have found that the blood pressure lowering effect appears to be mediated through linoleic acid (n-6). It is evident from these results that the role of diet must be given serious consideration for the control of blood pressure.

Psychodynamic approach and health education

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine which, if any, dimensions of personal interaction are related to changes in health behavior. A psychodynamic view of personality development provided the basis framework. Major risk factors for coronary heart disease-were calculated for each participant in two surveys. The results stress the significance of health professionals for successful health education. They have a position of authority provided by their official status which contributes to the activation in the interactive relationship of regressive interactive potentials that facilitate the success of health education. The results of this study suggest the conclusion that the predictability of changes in health behavior has no clear connection with the level of the maturity of the interviewee's personality. The unconscious factors that motivate the activation of transference have not been sufficiently emphasized in health education.