ANALYSIS OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS ON THE KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING THE ROLE OF CHOLESTEROL IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Abstract

Interest in cholesterol has grown significantly, especially in recent years, as it has become clear that cholesterol is a substance necessary for the normal functioning of the body: it regulates the properties of cell membranes; participates in the synthesis of vitamin D, which maintains the proper level of calcium and phosphorus in the body and determines the development and maintenance of bones; stimulates the production of antibodies; participates in the synthesis of bile acids and steroid hormones.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the opinions of women and men of all ages on the knowledge of the role of cholesterol in physiological processes.

Methodology. The research was conducted in 2017-2019 among the inhabitants of Słupsk, Bytów, Miastko, Sławno, the commune of Potęgowo and Czarna Dąbrówka (Pomeranian and West-Pomeranian voivodeships). Overall, 330 respondents took part in the study, including 274 women (83%) and 56 men (17%).

Scientific novelty. The respondents largely knew which group of chemical compounds cholesterol belongs to. Less than half of the respondents knew the cholesterol fractions. Most of the respondents correctly answered the question about the general functions of cholesterol. More than half of the respondents knew that the liver is the organ responsible for the production of cholesterol. Regarding the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, respondents knew that there are many factors influencing the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The respondents did not know products that have a high cholesterol content. The respondents identify the elevated level of cholesterol mainly with problems with the cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, almost the entire group of respondents believes that elevated cholesterol should be reduced as soon as possible, regardless of the reason for its increase.

Conclusions. The respondents associated cholesterol with something bad and suggested that its elevated level should be reduced in all situations. Cholesterol was also considered by the respondents as a factor that is very important in the development of cardiovascular diseases.