Nutrition, Physical Activity and Smoking Habit in the Italian General Adult Population: CUORE Project Health Examination Survey 2018–2019

Abstract

Background: Tobacco consumption, incorrect nutrition and insufficient physical activity/sedentariness represent modifiable NCDs risk factors in Western countries. To evaluate recent lifestyle indicators in Italy, data from the national Health Examination Survey (HES), implemented in 2018–2019 within the CUORE Project, were assessed. Methods: Age–sex standardized results from random samples of Italian general population (35–74 years) were reported by sex, age-class, educational level and geographical area. From 2106 participants, 2090 were considered for smoking habit, 2016 for physical activity and 1578 for nutrition. Standardized questionnaires were used for smoking habit and physical activity, and the EPIC questionnaire for nutrition. Results: Total cigarette current smokers were 23% in men and 19% in women; sedentariness during leisure time was 34% in men and 45% in women and at work 45% and 47% in men and women, respectively. Prevalence of balanced eating behaviours for vegetables was 28% in men and 39% in women; and for fruits 50% and 52%, respectively; prevalence of correct lifestyle (not smoker, regular physical activity and following at least five correct eating behaviours) was 7% and 12% for men and women, respectively. Conclusions: In 2018–2019, levels of unhealthy lifestyles were found to be still epidemic and basically stable compared to 10 years earlier (slight smoking habit decrease, slight sedentariness increase and slight nutrition improvements); intersectoral strategies and monitoring need to be continued.

Keywords

• lifestyle
• smoking habit
• physical activity
• nutrition
• epidemiology
• non-communicable diseases