Lifestyle as a Risk And Protective Factor in Chronic Diseases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Lifestyle plays a key role in the onset and progression of chronic diseases, as well as in their prevention, with these diseases becoming a major public health issue. Consequently, this study was conducted to investigate the association between lifestyle and its impact on chronic diseases.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 204 participants, who voluntarily completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised questions on age, gender, diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, stress levels, smoking and awareness of their own behaviours. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and results were considered statistically significant at a p-value of < 0.05.
RESULTS: Analysis of the results revealed a statistically significant association between age and stress levels, gender and levels of physical activity, breakfast and the perceived importance of lifestyle, and sleep and eating behaviour. Most individuals in the sample adopt moderately healthy behaviours, with the majority of young people being influenced by the stress they experience on a daily basis.
CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the idea that lifestyle can significantly influence the quality of life of the population, with behavioural factors being a key component in the development or worsening of numerous conditions.