CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES - PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE IN THE CITY OF SINJ, SPLIT-DALMATIA COUNTY

Abstract

Objective: To examine the epidemiological characteristics of cardiovascular diseases in the City of Sinj, with particular reference to the role of Master’s-level nurses in their prevention.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study was conducted based on the analysis of secondary data. The epidemiological characteristics of cardiovascular diseases were determined based on mortality data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Croatia and data on the use of hospital health care by residents of the city of Sinj in the period from 2014 to 2023. The results were analysed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Results: In the observed period 2,531 people died in Sinj, of whom 1,146 (45.3%) died from cardiovascular diseases, which
represented the leading cause of death (P <0.001). A significant decrease in the proportion of deaths from cardiovascular diseases was recorded over the years (P = 0.02). Most of the deceased were older than 65 years, and women died more frequently from cardiovascular
diseases (P <0.001). The most common causes of death within cardiovascular diseases were ischemic heart disease and
cerebrovascular disease. Out of a total of 21,307 hospitalizations, 2,541 (11.9%) were related to cardiovascular diseases, making them the third most common cause of hospitalization. No significant trend of change was observed over the years. Hospitalizations were most frequent among men older than 65 years (P <0.001), and the most common causes of hospitalization were ischemic heart
disease and cerebrovascular disease.

Conclusion: Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of mortality and a significant cause of hospitalizations among residents of the City of Sinj. The obtained results indicate the need to strengthen public health strategies aimed at prevention, early detection and control of cardiovascular disease risk. In this context, Master’s-level nurses play an indispensable role, as their professional competencies contribute