Attitudes to the prevention of non-communicable diseases among men engaged in expeditionary-shift work in the Arctic region

The investigation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the context of expeditionary shift work in the Arctic is of paramount importance. A promising avenue for enhancing health and life expectancy lies in influencing both subjective and objective health indicators, particularly by altering shift workers’ health attitudes. Addressing these attitudes may reduce cardiovascular risks, which are associated with mortality and disability among individuals employed in the oil and gas production sector of Western Siberia. Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify population patterns of attitudes towards the prevention of non-communicable diseases among men engaged in expeditionary shift work in the Arctic oil and gas production complex. Materials and methods. A representative sample of 750 men, aged 25 to 54 years, was selected using a random numbers method from individuals engaged in expeditionary shift work at an industrial enterprise in Western Siberia. The survey, designed to assess both subjective and objective health indicators, focused on attitudes toward the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases and was conducted as part of a cardiological screening initiative, achieving a response rate of 82.4%. The evaluation of attitudes towards disease prevention was conducted using data from the WHO MONICA psychosocial questionnaire, «Knowledge and attitude to one’s health». Results. More than fifty percent of the men aged 25 to 54 engaged in expeditionary shift work believe that the prevention of serious diseases is attainable. The most favorable conditions for establishing a preventive program in the Arctic is emerging among workers in their fifth decade of life. Interestingly, despite a more optimistic evaluation of modern medicine’s capabilities, men in their thirties show a notably low willingness to participate in preventive activities. Conclusions. The study highlights the significance of socio-demographic factors, such as gender and age, in shaping attitudes towards health and disease prevention. Preventive programs should be developed with consideration of these factors and tailored to scientific findings specifically obtained for each age group of shift workers.