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Supplemental vitamin C has a beneficial effect on plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid in men in the Republic of Karelia. An intervention study on men in North Karelia, Finland, and Pitkaranta, Republic of Karelia, was done to determine the likely effect of plasma ascorbic acid concentrations on mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Prior to the intervention, plasma levels of 93% of Pitkaranta men and 2% of North Karelian men revealed acute vitamin C deficiency. The intervention resulted in normal concentration levels for plasma ascorbic acid in 46% of men in the treatment group.

Presents a study which examined public health and mortality in eastern Finland and the Republic of Karelia, Russia in 1992. Health risks faced by the people of the places; Methodology used in the study; Discussion on the results of the study; Conclusion.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors were measured in a population survey in Pitkäranta District in the Republic of Karelia and in North Karelia in Finland in spring 1992. According to official statistics the cardiovascular mortality in the Republic of Karelia is somewhat higher, and total mortality and cancer mortality considerably higher than in North Karelia. A random sample of the population, aged 25–64 years, was taken in Pitkälranta (n = 1000) and in North Karelia (n = 2000). The participation rates were 84% and 74% respectively. The mean total serum cholesterol among men was 5.2 mmol/l in Pitkäranta and 5.8 mmol/l in North Karelia (P < 0.001) and among women 5.3 mmol/l and 5.6 mmol/l (P < 0.001 ), respectively. The mean high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels among men were 1.4 mmol/l and 1.3 mmol/l (P < 0.001). and among women 1.4 mmol/l and 1.5 mmol/l (P < 0.001). respectively. There were no significant differences in blood pressure among men, but women in Pitkäranta had higher blood pressure than women in North Karelia. The mean body mass index in Pitkaranta was higher among women, 28.0 versus 26.5 (P < 0.001) and lower among men, 25.2 versus 27.0 (P < 0.001) than in North Karelia. Smoking was much more common among men (65% versus 31 %) but less common among women (10% versus 16%) in Pitkäranta than in North Karelia. The general level of the risk factors, and especially the higher prevalence of smoking among men could explain the high mortality rates in Pitkäranta, and in particular the high cancer mortality [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: Mortality and morbidity from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a major public health problem in Russia. The aim of the study was to examine trends and educational differences from 1992 to 2007 in NCD risk factors in Pitkäranta in the Republic of Karelia, Russia., Methods: Four cross-sectional population health surveys were carried out in the Pitkäranta region, Republic of Karelia, Russia, in 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007. An independent random sample of 1000 persons from the general population aged 25-64 years was studied in each survey round. The total number of respondents in the four surveys was 2672. The surveys included a questionnaire, physical measurements, and blood sampling, and they were carried out following standard protocols., Results: The NCD risk factor trends generally increased in Pitkäranta during the study period with the exception of systolic blood pressure and smoking among men. Especially significant increases were observed in alcohol consumption among both sexes and in smoking among women. Educational differences and differences in trends were relatively small with the exception of a significant increase in smoking in the lowest female educational category., Conclusions: Trends showing an increase in some major NCD risk factors and signs of emerging socio-economic differences call for stronger attention to effective health promotion and preventive policies in Russia., (© 2014 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.)

Background: In Russia rapid changes have taken place both in total and chronic disease mortality during recent years. Little reliable information is available on the trends in conventional risk factors in Russia., Methods: Chronic disease risk factors and health behaviours were studied in the Republic of Karelia, Russia in 1992 and 1997, in population surveys connected with the National FINRISK Study in Finland. Independent random population samples (n = 1000) of people aged between 25 and 64 years were drawn in both survey years. Surveys included a self-administered questionnaire, physical measurements and laboratory analyses., Results: The levels of systolic blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased among both genders from 1992 to 1997, but the difference between the survey years was statistically significant only among women. Both self-reported alcohol consumption and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels increased significantly in both men and women. There was a significant shift in the type of fat used on bread and in cooking, from butter use to use of margarine and vegetable oil, among both genders., Conclusions: As a whole the risk factor levels in the Republic of Karelia are high. However, some slight improvement in risk profile was seen. Positive changes in dietary habits, such as change in the quality of fat and associated reduction in serum cholesterol levels may have contributed to the decline in cardiovascular disease mortality seen in Russia since 1995. However, since smoking and elevated blood pressure levels as well as alcohol consumption are still highly prevalent, there is a great need for effective interventions.

Risk factors and health behaviors related to chronic diseases were studied in a population survey in Pitkäranta District in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, and in North Karelia, Finland, in Spring 1992 (Puska, Matilainen et al., 1993). The random sample of the population (25 to 64 years) was 1,000 in Pitkäranta and 2,000 in North Karelia. Among men there were more current smokers in Pitkäranta than in North Karelia (65% vs. 31%) whereas among women the respective rates were 11% and 16%. Self-reported alcohol consumption was higher in North Karelia. Leisure time physical activity was much less frequent in Pitkäranta both among men and women. Use of vegetables and berries was very infrequent in Pitkäranta. The differences in health behavior can at least partly explain the differences in risk factors and in mortality of chronic diseases.