Health risk factors and mortality in Pécs City, Hungary in the 1990s

In the period of 1990-1994 an increase of all causes mortality for 35-74 years old males was observed both in Pécs and in all Hungary. From 1994 to 1997 the mortality decreased. Similar changes, but of smaller dimension, were observed in the female population. The increasing mortality of the early 1990s is attributed primarily to the extra psycho-social stress of this period. The data of the population survey at Pécs in 1995-96 were compared to the data of earlier surveys. The mean blood total cholesterol levels and the prevalence of smoking decreased from 1990 to 1996. The prevalence of hypertension and male obesity increased. Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and lack of improvement of diet still represent significant health problems. High prevalence of increased gamma-glutamyl transferase indicate high prevalence of excess alcohol consumption. The risk factor profile of 18-25 year old males is very unfavourable. Smoking prevalence in females aged 26-35 years exceeds that of males of the same age group. Preventive efforts should be focused to young males and females.