Health behaviour of women with Turner Syndrome

Aim This study assessed lifestyle-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young women with Turner syndrome. Methods In 2012, we sent a questionnaire to women with Turner syndrome aged >= 18 years and living in Switzerland with questions on socio-demographic and medical data as well as health behaviour. We compared the reported lifestyle with that of women from the Swiss Health Survey 2012, a representative survey of the general population. Results Fifty-seven per cent (45/79) of women with Turner syndrome answered the questionnaire (mean age: 24 years). Eighty per cent (36/45) had never smoked compared with 58% (1156/1972) of the general population (p < 0.01). Women with Turner syndrome engaged less often in binge drinking (34% vs. 71%) (p < 0.001), but consumed alcohol equally often as the general population (p = 0.327). They performed sports as often as the general population (p = 0.34), but only one quarter (11/45) of women with Turner syndrome adhered to official physical activity recommendations. Conclusion Although most women with Turner syndrome had a healthy lifestyle, only a minority had sufficient physical activity. Paediatricians should promote structured physical activity in girls with Turner syndrome from early childhood onwards to reduce their cardiovascular risk in adulthood and to increase long-term health-related quality of life.

Automated summary

Most women with Turner syndrome have a healthy lifestyle, such as not smoking and avoiding binge drinking, but only a minority engage in sufficient physical activity. Pediatricians should promote structured physical activity from early childhood to reduce future cardiovascular risks.