[Prevalence of a type A behavior pattern (coronary prone behavior pattern) in the Vienna population]

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Cardiology
• Psychology

Context:

• Investigated the coronary-prone behavior pattern (Type A behavior) in a representative Viennese population sample (n=1459).
• Utilized the Bortner rating scale to assess Type A/B behavior distribution.
• Examined interactions with psychosocial and primary coronary risk factors.

Purpose:

• To determine the prevalence of Type A behavior in a Viennese population.
• To explore the relationship between Type A behavior and demographic factors (age, sex, education, socioeconomic status).
• To investigate the association of Type A behavior with cardiovascular risk factors and subjective feelings of overload.

Summary:

• Type A behavior prevalence decreased in younger (16-20 years) and older (over 60 years) age groups.
• Employed women (21-60 years) showed significantly higher mean Type A scores and a greater prevalence of Type A1 individuals compared to employed men.
• Housewives had lower mean Type A scores than employed women but a similar rate of Type A1 individuals.
• Higher education showed a tendency towards increased Type A behavior.
• Socioeconomic status positively correlated with global Type A scores, particularly in men.
• No significant correlation found between Type A scores and traditional risk factors like blood pressure, BMI, or smoking.
• A significant correlation was observed between Type A scores and the subjective feeling of being overloaded, with Type A individuals reporting this more frequently.

Impact:

• Highlights demographic variations in Type A behavior, particularly gender differences in employed populations.
• Suggests that subjective feelings of overload, rather than traditional physiological risk factors, may be more closely linked to Type A behavior in this population.
• Provides insights into the complex interplay between behavior patterns, psychosocial factors, and potential cardiovascular risk.