Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Chronic Disease, and Surgery Frequency: Konya Sample

INTRODUCTION[|]The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of chronic illness and the surgical history of a Konya population and to define the relationship of that data to sociodemographic characteristics.[¤]METHODS[|]In order to accurately represent the population of Konya province, 49 residential areas were chosen from the city center, districts, and villages using a systematic, stratified, population-based sampling method. A total of 2015 residents were surveyed. Age, gender, height, weight, occupation, address, habits, present illnesses, and past surgical history of the participants were recorded. The sociodemographic characteristics, chronic disease, and surgical history data of the population were analyzed.[¤]RESULTS[|]The mean age of the participants was 46+-15.64 years (2015). The percentage with a chronic illness was 14.6%. Chronic diseases were more frequently observed in women (p=0.007), those over 40 years of age (p=0.001), those who were overweight or obese (p=0.001), and those who were non-working or a housewife (p=0.000). Among the study group, 39.4% had a surgical history. Rural area residents had a higher rate of surgery (p=0.000). The percentage of smokers was 28.1%. Smoking was more common in those without a chronic disease (p=0.000) or surgical history (p=0.000).[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Chronic diseases were more common in women, the overweight or obese, and those of older age. Surgical history was significantly higher among those living in rural areas, women, and those who were non-working or a housewife.[¤]