Abstract P156: Effect of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors on Control of Cardiovascular Risk in Elderly Hispanics

Abstract

Introduction: In elderly Hispanics, the causes contributing to poor control of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of demographic and socioeconomic factors on CRF control among non-institutionalized elderly Hispanics. Methods: A prospective cohort of 350 elderly Hispanics was studied. A face-to-face interview was conducted to obtain data on comorbidities and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were obtained for all participants. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess levels of blood glucose, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to test whether socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were independently associated with adequate control of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Results: Most subjects (72.5%) were women. Median age was 71 (interquartile range, 64-79) years. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was 68%, 65%, and 64%, respectively. Of these, 93% of hypertensive, 87% of diabetics, and 78% of dyslipidemic subjects were on pharmacologic treatment. Adequate control of the CRF was achieved in 33%, 70%, and 68% of hypertensive, diabetic, and dyslipidemic subjects, respectively. In general, 63.5% of the subjects had at least one risk factor not controlled. Univariate analyses revealed that only the level of trust in the health care system was significantly associated with adequate control of dyslipidemia ( P =0.03) but not with control of the other risk factors. Multivariate analyses revealed that level of education (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.86-0.99; P =0.03) and understanding of information obtained from health care provider (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.01-2.1; P =0.04) were independently associated with adequate control of blood pressure. No other significant associations were found. Conclusions: Despite high rates of treatment, elderly Hispanics in our cohort exhibit poor control of cardiovascular risk factors. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics do not seem to have a strong effect on CRF control among elderly Hispanics.