Abstract
BackgroundStudies in high-income countries have documented a consistent gradient between socio-economic status (SES) and high blood pressure (HBP), a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, evidence from Latin American countries (LA) remains comparatively scarce and inconclusive.DataData for 3,984 individuals came from a nationally representative survey of individuals aged 60 years or above in Colombia (Encuesta de Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) (SABE) conducted in 2015. SES was measured by educational achievement and household assets. CVD risk factors included objectively measured HBP and body mass index (BMI), as well as behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetables intake, and physical activity).MethodsBivariate methods and multivariate regression models were used to assess associations between SES with HBP as well as additional risk factors for CVD.ResultsIndividuals with lower SES have significantly higher risk of suffering from HBP. Compared to those with no formal education, individuals with secondary or post-secondary education have a 37% lower risk of HBP (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63, P-value<0.001). Being in the highest asset quartile (most affluent) is associated with a 44% lower risk (OR = 56, P-value = 0.001) of HBP compared to those in the lowest asset quartile (most deprived). Individuals with lower SES are more likely to smoke, not engage in regular physical activity and not regularly consume fruits or vegetables. In contrast, individuals with higher SES are more likely to consume alcohol and, those with more assets, more likely to be obese.ConclusionsAmong older Colombians there exists a marked SES gradient in HBP as well as several additional risk factors for CVD. The results highlight the importance of a public health approach towards HBP and additional CVD risk factors that takes into account the specific conditions of older individuals, especially among disadvantaged groups.
Highlights
The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) is increasing around the world, representing a substantial share of health care expenditures as well as morbidity and mortality in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). [1] Besides globalization and urbanization, population aging has been singled out as a key driving factors of increasing prevalence of NCDs. [2,3] This applies to Latin America (LA), a region that is projected to soon be the world’s most urbanized and one of the most rapidly aging ones
To access the application and further instructions on how to Studies in high-income countries have documented a consistent gradient between socioeconomic status (SES) and high blood pressure (HBP), a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD)
The results highlight the importance of a public health approach towards High blood pressure (HBP) and additional CVD risk factors that takes into account the specific conditions of older individuals, especially among disadvantaged groups
Summary
The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) is increasing around the world, representing a substantial share of health care expenditures as well as morbidity and mortality in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). [1] Besides globalization and urbanization, population aging has been singled out as a key driving factors of increasing prevalence of NCDs. [2,3] This applies to Latin America (LA), a region that is projected to soon be the world’s most urbanized and one of the most rapidly aging ones. [10,11] The existence and extent of socio-economic status (SES) inequalities in NCDs, in general, and CVD has been extensively studied in high-income countries—overwhelmingly showing consistent and substantial SES gradients in CVD and key risk factors, including HBP. Using representative data for individuals aged 60 years and above from the Encuesta de Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (Study of Health, Well-being, and Aging, or SABE according to its Spanish acronym) this study systematically assesses the relation between SES (measured by educational achievement as well as household assets), objectively measured HBP and additional risk factors for CVD including obesity, physical activity, fruits and vegetable intake, smoking and alcohol consumption. Studies in high-income countries have documented a consistent gradient between socioeconomic status (SES) and high blood pressure (HBP), a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD risk factors included objectively measured HBP and body mass index (BMI), as well as behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetables intake, and physical activity)
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