Prevention of civilization diseases by the eyes of generation 50+

Introduction: The diploma thesis deals with the topic of prevention of civilization diseases by the eyes of the generation 50+. The incidence of civilization diseases in the Czech Republic is still on the rise. Therefore, the timely and consistent prevention is essential, especially in the areas of healthy eating, appropriate physical activity, and prevention of stress or risky behaviour. Aim: The aim of this work is to point out the knowledge of generation 50+ in the Hradec Králové Region on the risks and prevention of civilization diseases, the generation's attitude to prevention, how they assess their health condition and how they describe their own lifestyle. Methodology: A qualitative approach using a semi-structured interview was used in the research. The research sample consisted of 24 informants at the age of 51 to 79 years. Of these, 16 were women and 8 men. Results: The results showed that the generation 50+ in the Hradec Králové Region has certain knowledge in the area of prevention. Most informants think that the civilization diseases are specific diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, oncological diseases or diabetes mellitus. In the area of risk factors, the informants predominantly correctly included risk factors for the development of civilization diseases. The most frequently mentioned factors were the lifestyle risk factors, especially diet, physical activity and risky behaviour such as smoking or alcohol. Regarding the area of prevention, most informants think it is important, but not all informants go to regular preventive examinations or preventive screening examinations. The change of opinion on prevention in informants changes with age and after the diagnosis of a disease. Among the informants, the information concerning prevention is most often obtained from doctors, the media or the press and to a lesser extent from general nurses. In the area of health, most informants emphasize the condition of being painless, self-sufficient and mobile. In the area of lifestyle, the research shows that most informants are not interested in a healthy lifestyle very much. However, they try to observe certain principles of a healthy lifestyle, especially in the area of appropriate eating and physical activity. Conclusion: The results indicate areas of prevention about which people should be repeatedly informed and alerted to their importance and possible consequences if they do not observe them. In particular, it is important to place greater emphasis on primary prevention, especially on lifestyle in the form of appropriate diet, physical activity, stress prevention and risky behaviour. Equally important is secondary prevention and preventive examinations and preventive screening examinations, and tertiary prevention, with a focus on eliminating or mitigating the consequences of diseases and improving the quality of life