Impact of education and place of residence on the risk of hypertension in three middle-aged populations in Lower Silesia in Poland

Abstract

Objective The risk of hypertension differs due to a social position. Education is a good indicator of it because it precedes other indicators, such as occupational based social position or income, is comparable between men and women, and does not usually change in adulthood. Previous studies have shown that risk of hypertension also differs due to a place of residence. The aim of the study was to assess the educational and the place of residence disparities in risk of hypertension in a cohort of middle-aged Polish citizens living in Lower Silesia, a society that experienced substantial changes in socioeconomic conditions during the past twenty years. Methods Data included: medical history, clinical parameters, place of residence and education. A representative sample of 1601 middle-aged adults (931 women and 670 men) living in city of Wroclaw, small town — Jelcz-Laskowice and in villages was examined. Logistical analysis was performed to assess risk of hypertension due to a place of residence and educational status (university, secondary and vocational/basic). Results The highest risk of hypertension was connected with living in small town compared to the city in women OR 1,40 (95% CI, 1,06–1,84, p<0,02) but not in men OR 1,25 (95% CI, 0,90–1,72, NS). The risk of hypertension in did not decreased in rural population compared to city in women OR 0,83 (95% CI, 0,57–1,21, NS) and in men OR 0,79 (95% CI, 0,51–1,24, NS). The highest risk of hypertension was connected with the lowest educational status compared to university or secondary education in women OR 1,35 (95% CI, 1,05–1,74, p<0,02) but not in men OR 1,16 (95% CI, 0,92–1,46, NS). Conclusions Small town residence was connected with higher risk of hypertension compared to the city and village in women. The lower educational status was connected with the higher risk of hypertension in women living in Lower Silesia in Poland.