| dc.description.abstract | This master's thesis examines and compares primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Norway and Georgia, focusing on key risk factors such as smoking, overweight/obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. Through a comprehensive analysis of various data sources, including document analysis, secondary data analysis, and qualitative interviews with key informants, this study identifies effective policies, interventions, and factors influencing primary prevention efforts.
The research underscores the significance of comprehensive tobacco control measures, culturally sensitive interventions, integration within healthcare systems, and continuous evaluation and monitoring. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of addressing overweight/obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption, as these factors significantly impact cardiovascular health. The implications for international social welfare and health policy emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach, consideration of socio-cultural contexts, strong policy implementation and enforcement, and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of interventions.
The application of the Health Belief Model to the research provides insights into the factors influencing health behaviors in both countries. Based on the findings of the thesis, strengthening collaboration among policymakers, health professionals, and international organizations to develop evidence-based strategies are suggested as measures for preventing CVD. Policymakers are encouraged to support further research efforts to understand the determinants of smoking behaviors, overweight, and obesity, as well as the effectiveness of interventions, which can inform evidence-based policies and interventions. | en_US |
