Sense of Coherence, Smoking Status, Biochemical Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Body Mass in Blue Collar Workers—Short Report

Abstract

The crucial cause of cardiovascular disorders is atherosclerosis developed by abnormal cholesterols levels or disorders affecting blood glucose. One of the best-known cardiovascular risk factors is also tobacco smoking. Simultaneously, sense of coherence (SoC) as a personal resource motivating to managing one’s own health behaviors, such as avoiding tobacco smoking, was reported to be protective against coronary heart disease. Such association was observed in white-collar workers but not in blue-collar workers. According to the above, the present article aims to establish relationships between SoC, smoking behaviors, biochemical markers (BM): lipids and glucose levels and body mass index (BMI) in blue-collar workers. Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC-29), fasting blood test, and BMI were used to assess such relationships. The study group consisted of 304 Polish males working 8-hr shifts in a 4-brigade rotating system. The analysis revealed that SoC level did not differ depending on smoking behavior. The analysis also showed no differences in BMI and BM depending on SoC. Concerning smoking status, the study group was divided into three subgroups which differed regarding triglycerides and glucose levels. The present findings considering SoC indicate that any psychological construct should not be studied separately because probably only some sets of different features may influence one’s behavior and BM as well.