Assessment of Environmental Factors Impact on Population Health Formation in Ivano-Frankivsk Region

Abstract

The research is dedicated to analyzing environmental factors and their impact on the health status of the population of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. In the context of exacerbated environmental problems and the current period of socio-economic development of society, health is one of the most pressing issues of public concern. Studying the impact of environmental factors and economic development issues, identifying priorities for health-improving actions, is an integral part of the environmental policy of any state. Establishing a connection between influencing factors and the health status of the population enables government authorities to achieve high results in implementing programs and strategies to improve public health and enhance the quality of life. The article provides causal relationships between influencing factors and health status, which allow achieving high indicators of the overall health status of the population, and also evaluates the medical-demographic situation in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. The most significant environmental problem that has a decisive impact on the health of the population of the Ivano-Frankivsk region is air pollution due to industrial emissions, waste, and exhaust gases from automotive transport, causing allergic reactions and viral respiratory diseases. This particularly applies to cities with a large population and industrial production (Ivano-Frankivsk, Kalush, Burshtyn, Nadvirna). Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from stationary sources increased by 31.5% in 2022 compared to 2021. This is a very high figure, as emissions decreased by 7.4% in 2020 compared to 2019. Most emissions of these pollutants occur in industrially developed areas. The most common bacterial infection is hepatitis A, known as jaundice. The most common diseases among the population of the Ivano-Frankivsk region during 2017-2022 are diseases of the respiratory tract (52%), circulatory system (6%), skin (5.7%), urogenital system (4.5%), eyes (3.8%), musculoskeletal system (3.5%). Author's research confirms that 55.2% of respondents rated their health as "good," 30.4% as "satisfactory," and 14.4% as "poor." During the year, 89.9% of our compatriots fell ill. Of these, 19.1% believe that infectious diseases have a negative impact over a long period and affect the ability to perform daily activities, 41.2% of individuals indicate on vitality, such as participating in physical activity, attending cultural events, leading an active lifestyle, and so on. Compared to other regions of Ukraine, the Ivano-Frankivsk region is characterized by favorable environmental conditions and a satisfactory medical-demographic situation. Thus, it belongs to the group of regions with a moderate level of morbidity, as evidenced by the statement of the general morbidity of the population of Ukraine.