Cardiovascular risk according to educational status in India

Child Marriage and Cardiovascular Risk: An Application of the Non-laboratory Framingham Risk Score

INTRODUCTION

Child marriage, defined as marriage before the age of 18 years, is a precocious transition from adolescence to adulthood, which may take a long-term toll on health.

AIM

This study aims to assess whether child marriage was associated with added risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a nationally representative sample of Indian adults.

METHODS

Applying the non-laboratory-based Framingham algorithm to data on 336,953 women aged 30-49 years and 49,617 men aged 30-54 years, we estimated individual's predicted heart age (PHA). Comparing the PHA with chronological age (CA), we categorized individuals in four groups: (i) low PHA: PHA < CA, (ii) equal PHA: PHA = CA (reference category), (iii) high PHA: PHA > CA by at most 4 years, and (iv) very high PHA: PHA > CA by 5 + years. We estimated multivariable multinomial logistic regressions to obtain relative risks of respective categories for the child marriage indicator.

RESULTS

We found that women who were married in childhood had 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.10) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.16-1.27) times higher adjusted risks of having high and very high PHA, respectively, compared to women who were married as adults. For men, no differential risks were found between those who were married as children and as adults. These results were generally robust across various socioeconomic sub-groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings add to the relatively new and evolving strand of literature that examines the role of child marriage on later life chronic health outcomes and provide important insights for public health policies aimed at improving women's health and wellbeing.

Socioeconomic Indicators and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease in Brazil from 2000 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have identified inequalities in the variation of mortality rates from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) when comparing regions with different levels of socioeconomic development indicators.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the variation in IHD and CBVD mortality rates and economic development, evaluated by the sociodemographic index (SDI) and social vulnerability index (SVI) in Brazil over a period of 20 years.

METHODS

Ecological study of time series of crude and standardized mortality rates (direct method, based on the Brazilian population in year 2000) from IHD and CBVD by sex and Federative Unit (FU) between 2000 and 2019, compared using the SDI and SVI.

RESULTS

There was an improvement in SDI and SVI concomitantly to a reduction in age-standardized mortality rate from IHD and CBVD in the country; however, this occurred unevenly across the FUs. The FUs with the best socioeconomic indicators had the greatest reduction in mortality rates.

DISCUSSION

The variations in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD, compared using variations in socioeconomic development, are aligned with those from previous studies, but the present study goes further by including the indicators SDI and SVI in the comparison. The limitations include the observational nature of the study, the use of databases, and the vulnerability to ecological bias.

CONCLUSION

The observed data raise the hypothesis that the improvement in socioeconomic conditions is one of the factors responsible for the reduction in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD.

Socioeconomic inequalities in the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases (hypertension and diabetes) among Bangladeshi population: Evidence based on population level data analysis

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are among the most fatal disease and prevalent among the adult population worldwide, including Bangladesh, and pose a public health threat. Understanding the socioeconomic inequalities linked to NCD risk factors can aid in the development of effective strategies to reduce the disease's recurrence. However, the literature on socioeconomic inequalities in hypertension and diabetes prevalence in Bangladesh is scant. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the inequality in hypertension and diabetes prevalence and to identify factors that may contribute to socioeconomic inequalities in Bangladesh.

METHODS

The current study incorporated data from a recent round of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS 2017-18). The age-standardized prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes were reported, and the log-binomial regression technique was used to identify the relevant confounders. Additionally, socioeconomic inequalities were quantified using a regression-based decomposition technique in which the concentration index (CIX) and Concentration curve were produced to determine the socioeconomic factors contributing to inequality.

RESULTS

Hypertension and diabetes were shown to have an age-standardized prevalence of (11.29% 95% CI: 11.13-11.69) and (36.98% 95% CI: 36.79-37.16), respectively. Both hypertension and diabetes were shown to be pointedly linked to the respondents' age, wealth status, being overweight or obese, and a variety of respondents' administrative divisions (p <0.001). In Bangladesh, household wealth status accounted for approximately 25.71% and 43.41% of total inequality in hypertension and diabetes, respectively. While BMI played a significant role in the emergence of inequality, the corresponding percentages for diabetes and hypertension are 4.95 and 83.38, respectively. In addition, urban areas contributed 4.56% inequality to increase diabetes among Bangladeshi inhabitants while administrative region contributed 4.76% of the inequality of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of Bangladesh's adult population suffers from hypertension and diabetes. It is critical to recognize the value of equity-based initiatives in order to optimize the benefit-risk ratio and cost effectiveness of preventive health programmes. Integrating equity considerations into interventions is critical for policies and programmes to achieve their objectives. As a result, these findings can be taken into account when making existing and prospective policy decisions, as well as following its progression with economic development of Bangladesh.

Low educational status correlates with a high incidence of mortality among hypertensive subjects from Northeast Rural China

Objective

Cumulative evidence indicates that education plays a major role in predicting cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, we intend to examine the possible relationship between education status and mortality in a large general subject from rural China.

Methods

Adult hypertensive subjects (n = 5,227, age = 57.22 ± 10.18 years; 49.1% men) were recruited from general population surveys (Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study). Their educational status was categorized into two groups as follows: (1) Low education (illiterate or lower than primary school) and (2) medium-high education (higher than primary school). Cardiometabolic comorbidities, related cardiovascular risk factors, and echocardiographic measurements were analyzed in both groups.

Results

Less educated hypertensive subjects had significantly higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and left ventricular hypertrophy than medium-high educated hypertensive subjects. In the medium-high educated subjects, a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction and lower rate of antihypertensive medication was found. Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that medium-high education was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.58, 0.99; P = 0.043) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.44, 0.96; P = 0.028).

Conclusion

Education may act as the best predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in rural hypertensive subjects. This finding suggests that in rural areas, education is likely to represent a cardiovascular specific risk factor and should be evaluated in the strategies of hypertension.

Global socioeconomic inequality in the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases and injuries: an analysis on global burden of disease study 2019

BACKGROUND

Examining the distribution of the burden of different communicable and non-communicable diseases and injuries worldwide can present proper evidence to global policymakers to deal with health inequality. The present study aimed to determine socioeconomic inequality in the burden of 25 groups of diseases between countries around the world in 2019.

METHODS

In the current study data according to 204 countries in the world was gathered from the Human Development Report and the Global Burden of Diseases study. Variables referring to incidence, prevalence, years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) and disability adjusted life years (DALY) resulting by 25 groups of diseases and injuries also human development index was applied for the analysis. For measurement of socioeconomic inequality, concentration index (CI) and curve was applied. CI is considered as one of the popular measures for inequality measurement. It ranges from - 1 to + 1. A positive value implies that a variable is concentrated among the higher socioeconomic status population and vice versa.

RESULTS

The findings showed that CI of the incidence, prevalence, YLL, YLD and DALY for all causes were - 0.0255, - 0.0035, - 0.1773, 0.0718 and - 0.0973, respectively. CI for total Communicable, Maternal, Neonatal, and Nutritional Diseases (CMNNDs) incidence, prevalence, YLL, YLD and DALY were estimated as - 0.0495, - 0.1355, - 0.5585, - 0.2801 and - 0.5203, respectively. Moreover, estimates indicated that CIs of incidence, prevalence, YLL, YLD and DALY for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) were 0.1488, 0.1218, 0.1552, 0.1847 and 0.1669, respectively. Regarding injuries, the CIs of incidence, prevalence, YLL, YLD and DALY were determined as 0.0212, 0.1364, - 0.1605, 0.1146 and 0.3316, respectively. In the CMNNDs group, highest and lowest CI of DALY were related to the respiratory infections and tuberculosis (- 0.4291) and neglected tropical diseases and malaria (- 0.6872). Regarding NCDs, the highest and lowest CI for DALY is determined for neoplasms (0.3192) and other NCDs (- 0.0784). Moreover, the maximum and minimum of CI of DALY for injuries group were related to the transport injuries (0.0421) and unintentional injuries (- 0.0297).

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of all-causes and CMNNDs burden were more concentrated in low-HDI countries and there are pro-poor inequality. However, there is a pro-rich inequality for NCDs' burden i.e. it was concentrated in high-HDI countries. On the other hand, the concentration of DALY, YLD, prevalence, and incidence in injuries was observed in the countries with higher HDI, while YLL was concentrated in low-HDI countries.

Relationship of socio-economic inequality and overweight with non-communicable diseases risk factors: A study on underprivileged population

BACKGROUND

Out of every five deaths in India three are due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Two major modifiable risk factors for NCDs are overweight and socioeconomic inequality. This study assesses the burden of various NCDs risk factors and their relationship with socioeconomic inequality and overweight among the underprivileged population.

AIM

To compare the different Non-Communicable Diseases risk factors with socioeconomic inequality and overweight. To evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic inequality and body weight with NCDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study incorporating 241 random sample of participants was assessed using WHO Stepwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis of 12 h of fasting venous blood samples were done. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16 and Graph Pad Prism 8, using two-sided significance tests at the 5% significance level.

RESULTS

The study finds a 10-fold higher risk of tobacco use ( AOR = 10.18, C.I = 2.79 - 37.10) and 5 times higher risk of alcohol use AOR = 5.57, C.I = 1.25 - 24.65) among people with poor SES compared to higher SES. A significant correlation was observed between BMI, LDL cholesterol ( r = -16.0; P = 0.009) and HDL cholesterol (r = 18.0;P = 0.006) with socioeconomic status. The study finds that for individuals who were overweight the odds of systolic blood pressure (AOR = 2.11, C.I = 1.03-4.31), fasting blood sugar (AOR = 3.84, C.I = 1.30 -11.32), triglyceride level, (AOR = 2.20, C.I = 1.18 - 4.09) high-density lipoprotein ( AOR = 2.63, C.I = 1.26 - 5.46) were significantly higher compared to normal BMI individuals.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that the socioeconomic patterning of the population is significantly associated with NCD risk factors. Obesity was closely linked with several major NCD risk factors.

Emerging trends in hypertension epidemiology in India

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for chronic disease burden in India. Studies from various parts of India have reported high prevalence of hypertension. These studies have also reported that hypertension is increasing and there is low awareness and control. Two recent studies have been conducted with uniform tools and nationwide sampling to determine the true prevalence of hypertension in the country. Fourth National Family Health Survey evaluated hypertension in a large population based sample (n = 799,228) and reported hypertension in 13.8% men vs. 8.8% women (overall 11.3%) aged 15-49 and 15-54 respectively. More representative data (age > 18 years, n = 1,320,555) in Fourth District Level Household Survey reported hypertension in 25.3% with greater prevalence in men (27.4%) than women (20.0%). This translates into 207 million persons (men 112 million, women 95 million) with hypertension in India. Prevalence would be much higher using 2017 American guidelines. Global Burden of Diseases study reported that hypertension led to 1.63 million deaths in India in 2016 as compared to 0.78 million in 1990 (+108%). The disease burden (DALYs) attributable to hypertension increased from 21 million in 1990 to 39 million in 2016 (+89%). Social determinants of hypertension are important and Indian states with greater urbanization, human development and social development have more hypertension. There is poor association of hypertension prevalence with healthcare availability although there is positive association with healthcare access and quality. The health system in India should focus on better hypertension screening and control to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Education and hypertension: impact on global cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Improving cardiovascular risk prediction continues to be a major challenge and effective prevention of cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, several studies have recently reported on the role of cardiovascular risk education. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of education on global cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 223 consecutive hypertensive outpatients. Their educational status was categorized according to the number of years of formal education as follows: (1) low education (less than 10 years) and (2) medium-high education (10-15 years).

RESULTS

In both groups, cardiometabolic comorbidities, global cardiovascular risk and echocardiographic measurements were analysed. Less educated hypertensive subjects were characterized by a significantly higher prevalence of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (p < .01), greater global cardiovascular risk (p < .001), and a higher consumption of antihypertensive drugs (p < .01) rather than medium-high educated hypertensive subjects. In the same subjects, a significant increase in microalbuminuria (MA) (p < .01) and a significant decrease in E/A (p < .001) ratio was found. Univariate analysis indicated that global cardiovascular risk correlated directly with waist-hip ratio, mean blood pressure, MA, left ventricular mass index, MetS and inversely with education (r = -0.45; p < .001). Education was independently (p < .001) associated with global CV risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that education may be considered the best predictor of global cardiovascular risk in hypertensives and thus has to be evaluated in the strategies of hypertension and cardiovascular risk management.

Cardiovascular Diseases in India: Current Epidemiology and Future Directions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have now become the leading cause of mortality in India. A quarter of all mortality is attributable to CVD. Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the predominant causes and are responsible for >80% of CVD deaths. The Global Burden of Disease study estimate of age-standardized CVD death rate of 272 per 100 000 population in India is higher than the global average of 235 per 100 000 population. Some aspects of the CVD epidemic in India are particular causes of concern, including its accelerated buildup, the early age of disease onset in the population, and the high case fatality rate. In India, the epidemiological transition from predominantly infectious disease conditions to noncommunicable diseases has occurred over a rather brief period of time. Premature mortality in terms of years of life lost because of CVD in India increased by 59%, from 23.2 million (1990) to 37 million (2010). Despite wide heterogeneity in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors across different regions, CVD has emerged as the leading cause of death in all parts of India, including poorer states and rural areas. The progression of the epidemic is characterized by the reversal of socioeconomic gradients; tobacco use and low fruit and vegetable intake have become more prevalent among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds frequently do not receive optimal therapy, leading to poorer outcomes. Countering the epidemic requires the development of strategies such as the formulation and effective implementation of evidence-based policy, reinforcement of health systems, and emphasis on prevention, early detection, and treatment with the use of both conventional and innovative techniques. Several ongoing community-based studies are testing these strategies.

Age and Socioeconomic Gradients of Health of Indian Adults: An Assessment of Self-Reported and Biological Measures of Health

This paper describes overall socioeconomic gradients and the age patterns of socioeconomic gradients of health of Indian adults for multiple health indicators encompassing the multiple aspects of health. Cross-sectional data on 11,230 Indians aged 18 years and older from the WHO-SAGE India Wave 1, 2007 were analyzed. Multivariate logit models were estimated to examine effects of socioeconomic status (education and household wealth) and age on four health domains: self-rated health, self-reported functioning, chronic diseases, and biological health measures. Results show that socioeconomic status (SES) was negatively associated with prevalence of each health measure but with considerable heterogeneity across age groups. Results for hypertension and COPD were inconclusive. SES effects are significant while adjusting for background characteristics and health risk factors. The age patterns of SES gradient of health depict divergence with age, however, no conclusive age pattern emerged for biological markers. Overall, results in this paper dispelled the conclusion of negative SES-health association found in some previous Indian studies and reinforced the hypothesis of positive association of SES with health for Indian adults. Higher prevalence of negative health outcomes and SES disparities of health outcomes among older age-groups highlight need for inclusive and focused health care interventions for older adults across socioeconomic spectrum.

Prevalence of Pragmatically Defined High CV Risk and its Correlates in LMIC: A Report From 10 LMIC Areas in Africa, Asia, and South America

BACKGROUND

Currently available tools for assessing high cardiovascular risk (HCR) often require measurements not available in resource-limited settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There is a need to assess HCR using a pragmatic evidence-based approach.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to report the prevalence of HCR in 10 LMIC areas in Africa, Asia, and South America and to investigate the profiles and correlates of HCR.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-UnitedHealth Group Centers of Excellence. HCR was defined as history of heart disease/heart attack, history of stroke, older age (≥50 years for men and ≥60 for women) with history of diabetes, or older age with systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg. Prevalence estimates were standardized to the World Health Organization's World Standard Population.

RESULTS

A total of 37,067 subjects ages ≥35 years were included; 53.7% were women and mean age was 53.5 ± 12.1 years. The overall age-standardized prevalence of HCR was 15.4% (95% confidence interval: 15.0% to 15.7%), ranging from 8.3% (India, Bangalore) to 23.4% (Bangladesh). Among men, the prevalence was 1.7% for the younger age group (35 to 49 years) and 29.1% for the older group (≥50); among women, 3.8% for the younger group (35 to 59 years) and 40.7% for the older group (≥60). Among the older group, measured systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg (with or without other conditions) was the most common criterion for having HCR, followed by diabetes. The proportion of having met more than 1 criterion was nearly 20%. Age, education, and body mass index were significantly associated with HCR. Cross-site differences existed and were attenuated after adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, and body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HCR in 10 LMIC areas was generally high. This study provides a starting point to define targeted populations that may benefit from interventions combining both primary and secondary prevention strategies.

Obesity and Associated Cardiometabolic Risk among Women from Tripura - A Northeastern State of India

Introduction:

Cardiometabolic health status of women is a serious public health concern. Markers of body fat content and their distribution are important indicators of cardiometabolic health risk in participants. In addition, socio-demographic status plays a determinant role. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of adiposity markers and socio-demographic determinants on various cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in Indian women.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted on 388 women (age 25–65 years) from Tripura, a Northeastern state of India. Various obesity and atherogenic markers such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, waist - height ratio, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C)/total cholesterol, HDL-C/low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride/HDL-C ratio and traditional cardiometabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance were evaluated in participant. The socio-demographic status included the level of education and monthly family income.

Results:

The cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women were higher than premenopausal women. The risk increases with age in both groups. Women with lower educational level and higher income group were found to be prone to higher cardiometabolic risk. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed central obesity marked by increased WC was a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk than general obesity marked by increased BMI.

Conclusion:

The cardiometabolic risk among both premenopausal and postmenopausal women are associated with central obesity which can be predicted by increased WC in the subject. Socio-demographic status of the participant plays a definitive role in determining cardiometabolic risk in women.

Socio-Economic Inequality of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Bangladesh

Introduction

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health challenge, and undermine social and economic development in much of the developing world, including Bangladesh. Epidemiologic evidence on the socioeconomic status (SES)-related pattern of NCDs remains limited in Bangladesh. This study assessed the relationship between three chronic NCDs and SES among the Bangladeshi population, paying particular attention to the differences between urban and rural areas.

Materials and Method

Data from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey were used for this study. Using a concentration index (CI), we measured relative inequality across pre-diabetes, diabetes, pre-hypertension, hypertension, and BMI (underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese) in urban and rural areas in Bangladesh. A CI and its associated curve can be used to identify whether socioeconomic inequality exists for a given health variable. In addition, we estimated the health achievement index, integrating mean coverage and the distribution of coverage by rural and urban populations.

Results

Socioeconomic inequalities were observed across diseases and risk factors. Using CI, significant inequalities observed for pre-hypertension (CI = 0.09, p = 0.001), hypertension (CI = 0.10, p = 0.001), pre-diabetes (CI = -0.01, p = 0.005), diabetes (CI = 0.19, p<0.001), and overweight/obesity (CI = 0.45, p<0.001). In contrast to the high prevalence of the chronic health conditions among the urban richest, a significant difference in CI was observed for pre-hypertension (CI = -0.20, p = 0.001), hypertension (CI = -0.20, p = 0.005), pre-diabetes (CI = -0.15, p = 0.005), diabetes (CI = -0.26, p = 0.004) and overweight/obesity (CI = 0.25, p = 0.004) were observed more among the low wealth quintiles of rural population. In the same vein, the poorest rural households had more co-morbidities compared to the richest rural households (p = 0.003), and prevalence of co-morbidities was much higher for the richest urban households compared to the poorest urban households. On the other hand in rural the “disachievement” of health indicators is more noticeable than the urban ones.

Conclusion

The findings indicate the high burden of selected NCDs among the low wealth quintile populations in rural areas and wealthy populations in urban areas. Particular attentions may be necessary to address the problem of NCDs among these groups.

Socioeconomic status and hypertension: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and hypertension has been studied in a number of reviews. However, the impact of SES on hypertension has been reported in several studies with conflicting results.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Proquest and Cochrane databases for observational studies on hypertension prevalence and SES, published in English, until March 2014. Hypertension was defined as a mean SBP of at least 140 mmHg or a DBP of at least 90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication. The inverse variance method with a random-effects model was used to pool the risk estimates from the individual studies. Data abstraction was conducted independently by two authors.

RESULTS

Among the 2404 references, 51 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An overall increased risk of hypertension among the lowest SES was found for all three indicators: income [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.48], occupation (pooled OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04-1.64) and education (pooled OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.55-2.63). The associations were significant in high-income countries, and the increased risk of hypertension for the lowest categories of all SES indicators was most evident for women, whereas men revealed less consistent associations.

CONCLUSION

Low SES is associated with higher blood pressure, and this association is particularly evident in the level of education. It is important to identify and monitor hypertension to reduce the risk of this disease among the most vulnerable groups in different countries and among different societies.

Socioeconomic status and cardiovascular risk in urban South Asia: The CARRS Study

BACKGROUND

Although South Asians experience cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors at an early age, the distribution of CVD risks across the socioeconomic spectrum remains unclear.

METHODS

We analysed the 2011 Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia survey data including 16,288 non-pregnant adults (≥20 years) that are representative of Chennai and Delhi, India, and Karachi, Pakistan. Socioeconomic status (SES) was defined by highest education (primary schooling, high/secondary schooling, college graduate or greater); wealth tertiles (low, middle, high household assets) and occupation (not working outside home, semi/unskilled, skilled, white-collar work). We estimated age and sex-standardized prevalence of behavioural (daily fruit/vegetables; tobacco use), weight (body mass index; waist-to-height ratio) and metabolic risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia; hypo-HDL; and hypertriglyceridaemia) by each SES category.

RESULTS

Across cities, 61.2% and 16.1% completed secondary and college educations, respectively; 52.8% reported not working, 22.9% were unskilled; 21.3% were skilled and 3.1% were white-collar workers. For behavioural risk factors, low fruit/vegetable intake, smoked and smokeless tobacco use were more prevalent in lowest education, wealthy and occupation (for men only) groups compared to higher SES counterparts, while weight-related risks (body mass index 25.0-29.9 and ≥30 kg/m(2); waist-to-height ratio ≥0.5) were more common in higher educated and wealthy groups, and technical/professional men. For metabolic risks, a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemias was observed in more educated and affluent groups, with unclear patterns across occupation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SES-CVD patterns are heterogeneous, suggesting customized interventions for different SES groups may be warranted. Different behavioural, weight, and metabolic risk factor prevalence patterns across SES indicators may signal on-going epidemiological transition in South Asia.

Association of low educational status with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes: Jaipur diabetes registry

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of educational status (ES), as marker of socioeconomic status, with the prevalence of microvascular complications in diabetes.

METHODS

Successive patients (n = 1214) presenting to our center were evaluated for sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and therapeutic variables. Subjects were classified according to ES into Group 1 (illiterate, 216); Group 2 (≤ primary, 537), Group 3 (≤ higher secondary, 312), and Group 4 (any college, 149). Descriptive statistics is reported.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 52 ± 10 years, duration of diabetes 7 ± 7 years and 55% were men. Prevalence of various risk factors was smoking/tobacco 25.5%, obesity body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) 64.0%, abdominal obesity 63.4%, hypertension 67.5%, high fat diet 14.5%, low fruits/vegetables 31.8%, low fiber intake 60.0%, high salt diet 16.9%, physical inactivity 27.5%, coronary or cerebrovascular disease 3.0%, and microvascular disease (peripheral, ocular or renal) in 20.7%. Microvascular disease was significantly greater in illiterate (25.9%) and low (23.6%) compared to middle (15.0%) and high (14.7%) ES groups (P < 0.05). Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that in illiterate and low ES groups respectively, prevalence of smoking/tobacco use (odds ratio 3.84, confidence interval: 09-7.05 and 2.15, 1.36-3.41); low fruit/vegetable (2.51, 1.53-4.14 and 1.99, 1.30-3.04) and low fiber intake (4.02, 2.50-6.45 and 1.78, 1.23-2.59) was greater compared to high ES. Poor diabetes control (HbA1c >.0%) was significantly greater in illiterate (38.0%), low (46.0%), and middle (41.0%) compared to high (31.5%) ES subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a greater prevalence of the microvascular disease in illiterate and low ES diabetes patients in India. This is associated with the higher prevalence of smoking/tobacco use, poor quality diet, and sub-optimal diabetes control.

Association of low educational status with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes: Jaipur diabetes registry-1

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of educational status (ES), as a marker of socioeconomic status, with the prevalence of microvascular complications in diabetes.

METHODS

Successive patients (n = 1214) presenting to our centre were evaluated for sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and therapeutic variables. Subjects were classified according to ES into Group 1 (illiterate, 216); Group 2 (<primary, 537), Group 3 (<higher secondary, 312), and Group 4 (any college, 149). Descriptive statistics are reported.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 52 ± 10 years, duration of diabetes 7 ± 7 years, and 55% were men. Prevalence of various risk factors was smoking/tobacco 25.5%, obesity body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) 64.0%, abdominal obesity 63.4%, hypertension 67.5%, high fat diet 14.5%, low fruits/vegetables 31.8%, low fibre intake 60.0%, high salt diet 16.9%, physical inactivity 27.5%, coronary, or cerebrovascular disease 3.0%, and microvascular disease (peripheral, ocular or renal) in 20.7%. Microvascular disease was significantly greater in illiterate (25.9%) and low (23.6%) compared to middle (15.0%) and high (14.7%) ES groups (P < 0.05). Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that in illiterate and low ES groups respectively, prevalence of smoking/tobacco use (odds ratio 3.84, confidence intervals 2.09-7.05 and 2.15, 1.36-3.41); low fruit/vegetable (2.51, 1.53-4.14 and 1.99, 1.30-3.04) and low fibre intake (4.02, 2.50-6.45 and 1.78, 1.23-2.59) was greater compared to high ES. Poor diabetes control (HbA1c >8.0%) was significantly greater in illiterate (38.0%), low (46.0%) and middle (41.0%) compared to high (31.5%) ES subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a greater prevalence of the microvascular disease in illiterate and low ES diabetes patients in India. This is associated with the higher prevalence of smoking/tobacco use, poor quality diet and sub-optimal diabetes control.

Metabolic syndrome in hypertensive adults from rural Northeast China: an update

BACKGROUND

The last study reported the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in hypertensive residents from rural Northeast China was conducted approximately ten years ago. The purpose of this study was to update the prevalence and epidemiological features of Metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

This survey was conducted from July 2012 to August 2013. In this study, a total of 5866 hypertensive residents from the rural Northeast China were randomly selected and examined. MetS was defined according to the to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Data regarding the demographic and lifestyle characteristics and the blood biochemical indexes of these participants were collected by well-trained personnel.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of MetS among hypertensive residents was 43.1%. Women had significantly higher incidence of MetS than men (56.4%vs. 29.2%, P < 0.001). Overall, 51.7%, 39.6%, 29.3% and 55.9% of the hypertensive adults had abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C, and increased fasting glucose. Multivariate logistic regression, after adjusting for possible confounders, revealed the following factors that increased the risk of MetS: being female, older age, completion of education through high school, obesity, current smoking. Moderate physical activity, a family income between 5000-20000 CNY per year and higher diet score were correlated with lower rates of MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of MetS was dramatically high and exhibited a remarkably increasing trend in hypertensive rural Northeast Chinese. Female had higher incidence of MetS while male had more drastically increasing trend.

Are estimates of socioeconomic inequalities in chronic disease artefactually narrowed by self-reported measures of prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries? Findings from the WHO-SAGE survey

BACKGROUND

The use of self-reported measures of chronic disease may substantially underestimate prevalence in low-income and middle-income country settings, especially in groups with lower socioeconomic status (SES). We sought to determine whether socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) differ if estimated by using symptom-based or criterion-based measures compared with self-reported physician diagnoses.

METHODS

Using population-representative data sets of the WHO Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), 2007-2010 (n=42 464), we calculated wealth-related and education-related concentration indices of self-reported diagnoses and symptom-based measures of angina, hypertension, asthma/chronic lung disease, visual impairment and depression in three 'low-income and lower middle-income countries'-China, Ghana and India-and three 'upper-middle-income countries'-Mexico, Russia and South Africa.

RESULTS

SES gradients in NCD prevalence tended to be positive for self-reported diagnoses compared with symptom-based/criterion-based measures. In China, Ghana and India, SES gradients were positive for hypertension, angina, visual impairment and depression when using self-reported diagnoses, but were attenuated or became negative when using symptom-based/criterion-based measures. In Mexico, Russia and South Africa, this distinction was not observed consistently. For example, concentration index of self-reported versus symptom-based angina were: in China: 0.07 vs. -0.11, Ghana: 0.04 vs. -0.21, India: 0.02 vs. -0.16, Mexico: 0.19 vs. -0.22, Russia: -0.01 vs. -0.02 and South Africa: 0.37 vs. 0.02.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic inequalities in NCD prevalence tend to be artefactually positive when using self-report compared with symptom-based or criterion-based diagnostic criteria, with greater bias occurring in low-income countries. Using standardised, symptom-based measures would provide more valid estimates of NCD inequalities.

Work economic sectors and cardiovascular risk factors: cross-sectional analysis based on the RECORD Study

Background

Little is known on the comparative effect of work economic sectors on multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Such information may be useful to target Public health interventions, e.g., through the occupational medicine. We investigated whether and how a large panel of cardiovascular risk factors varied between 11 work economic sectors.

Methods

Data on 4360 participants from the French RECORD Study geolocated at their residence were analyzed. Ten outcomes were assessed: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), pulse pressure, total cholesterol, glycaemia, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and resting heart rate. Multilevel linear regression models stratified by sex and adjusted for individual and neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics were estimated.

Results

Among men, the Health and social work sector was found to be the most protective sector for BMI, waist circumference, and glycaemia (while the Construction sector and the Transport and communications sector tended to be unfavorable for these outcomes). The Health and social work sector was also associated with higher HDL cholesterol among men. However, men working in the Health and social work sector showed the highest systolic BP and pulse pressure. Women working in the Health and social work sector had the highest BMI, the largest waist circumference, and the most elevated systolic and diastolic BP. The Commercial and repair of vehicles sector, the Transport and communication sector, and the Collective, social, and personal services sector were associated with a more favorable profile for these risk factors among women.

Conclusion

Work economic sectors contribute to shape metabolic and cardiovascular parameters after adjustment for individual/neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics. However, patterns of associations varied strikingly according to the risk factor examined and between men and women. Such findings may be useful to target interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk, e.g., through the occupational medicine.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-750) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association of socioeconomic status measured by education, and cardiovascular health: a population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular health (CVH) is a relatively new concept defined by the American Heart Association (AHA). The aim of the present study was to assess whether the indices of CVH were discriminators of socioeconomic status (SES) in the adult population of the Republic of Srpska (RS).

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

RS, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

PARTICIPANTS

The study involved 4165 adults aged ≥18 years (mean age 50.2; 54% women) who participated in the National Health Survey performed from September to November 2010 in the RS.

STUDY VARIABLES

Participant's education was a proxy for SES. Potential discriminators of SES were indices of CVH presented according to AHA as: ideal health behaviours index (non-smoking, body mass index <25 kg/m(2), physical activity at goal level and healthy diet); ideal health factors index (untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, untreated blood pressure <120/<80 mm Hg, untreated fasting glucose <100 mg/dL and non-smoking); and ideal CVH status (defined as all seven ideal health metrics present) versus intermediate and poor CVH status.

RESULTS

Participants with high educational levels had a significantly greater number of ideal CVH metrics, and ideal health factor metrics compared with those with low or medium educational level (OR 0.88 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99 and OR 0.88 95% CI 0.80 to 0.96; OR 0.81 95% CI 0.69 to 0.96 and OR 0.77 95% CI 0.68 to 0.87; respectively). The number of ideal behaviour metrics was not a discriminator of educational groups. Concerning the categories of CVH status the poor CVH was a discriminator for low and medium education compared with those with high education (OR 1.93 95% CI 1.24 to 3.01 and OR 1.54 95% CI 1.08 to 2.19, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasise the large potential for preventing cardiovascular disease, showing a low proportion with a favourable CVH profile, especially among low-educated people. It is necessary to consider prevention strategies aimed at improving CVH in RS, targeting primarily low educational groups.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in Asian Indian population: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally and are the leading cause of death in India also. Several surveys conducted across the country over the past few decades have shown a rising prevalence of major risk factors for CVD in Asian Indian population. The problem of increasing risk factors for CVD in India is because of lack of surveillance system and lack of proper diagnosis. This study will help to point out the need of research so that some advanced diagnosis system may be developed for proper diagnosis of CVDs and to reduce the growing burden of CVDs in the country.

METHODS

We did a literature search for the period from 1968 to 2012 using PUBMED search to identify all relevant studies of cardiovascular diseases. Besides PUBMED searching, manual searching has also been done. This article provides a review of current understanding of the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, particularly, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and related risk factors in Asian Indian population.

RESULTS

Hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent among Asian Indian population, which may explain their high rate of stroke and heart attack in India. The increasing rate of CVD may be explained by the high rates of other risk factors including adverse lipid profile. The etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is multifactorial and no single factor is an absolute cause.

CONCLUSION

The cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors are increasing with a rapid pace in Asian Indian population. Though the prevalence of CVD risk factors is found higher in urban population, yet it is increasing at an alarming rate in rural population also, which is a serious threatening to the nation. Since majority of the Indians live in rural area, CVD may lead to epidemic proportions. We need health promotion programs and reorientation of primary health care to improve CVD detection in earlier stage and its management.

Socioeconomic inequalities in non-communicable diseases prevalence in India: disparities between self-reported diagnoses and standardized measures

BACKGROUND

Whether non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases of poverty or affluence in low-and-middle income countries has been vigorously debated. Most analyses of NCDs have used self-reported data, which is biased by differential access to healthcare services between groups of different socioeconomic status (SES). We sought to compare self-reported diagnoses versus standardised measures of NCD prevalence across SES groups in India.

METHODS

We calculated age-adjusted prevalence rates of common NCDs from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. We compared self-reported diagnoses to standardized measures of disease for five NCDs. We calculated wealth-related and education-related disparities in NCD prevalence by calculating concentration index (C), which ranges from -1 to +1 (concentration of disease among lower and higher SES groups, respectively).

FINDINGS

NCD prevalence was higher (range 5.2 to 19.1%) for standardised measures than self-reported diagnoses (range 3.1 to 9.4%). Several NCDs were particularly concentrated among higher SES groups according to self-reported diagnoses (Csrd) but were concentrated either among lower SES groups or showed no strong socioeconomic gradient using standardized measures (Csm): age-standardised wealth-related C: angina Csrd 0.02 vs. Csm -0.17; asthma and lung diseases Csrd -0.05 vs. Csm -0.04 (age-standardised education-related Csrd 0.04 vs. Csm -0.05); vision problems Csrd 0.07 vs. Csm -0.05; depression Csrd 0.07 vs. Csm -0.13. Indicating similar trends of standardized measures detecting more cases among low SES, concentration of hypertension declined among higher SES (Csrd 0.19 vs. Csm 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The socio-economic patterning of NCD prevalence differs markedly when assessed by standardized criteria versus self-reported diagnoses. NCDs in India are not necessarily diseases of affluence but also of poverty, indicating likely under-diagnosis and under-reporting of diseases among the poor. Standardized measures should be used, wherever feasible, to estimate the true prevalence of NCDs.

Epidemiology of cardioprotective pharmacological agent use in stable coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine use of class and type of cardioprotective pharmacological agents in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) we performed a prescription audit.

METHODS

A cross sectional survey was conducted in major districts of Rajasthan in years 2008-09. We evaluated prescription for classes (anti-platelets, β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blockers (CCB) and statins) and specific pharmacological agents at clinics of physicians in tertiary (n = 18), secondary (n = 69) and primary care (n = 43). Descriptive statistics are reported.

RESULTS

Prescriptions of 2290 stable CHD patients were audited. Anti-platelet use was in 2031 (88.7%), β-blockers 1494 (65.2%), ACE inhibitors 1196 (52.2%), ARBs 712 (31.1%), ACE inhibitors - ARB combinations 19 (0.8%), either ACE inhibitors or ARBs 1908 (83.3%), CCBs 1023 (44.7%), statins 1457 (63.6%) and other lipid lowering agents in 170 (7.4%). Among anti-platelets aspirin-clopidogrel combination was used in 88.5%. Top three molecules in β-blockers were atenolol (37.8%), metoprolol (26.4%) and carvedilol (11.9%); ACE inhibitors ramipril (42.1%), lisinopril (20.3%) and perindopril (10.9%); ARB's losartan (47.7%), valsartan (22.3%) and telmisartan (14.9%); CCBs amlodipine (46.7%), diltiazem (29.1%) and verapamil (9.5%) and statins were atorvastatin (49.8%), simvastatin (28.9%) and rosuvastatin (18.3%). Use of metoprolol, ramipril, valsartan, diltiazem and atorvastatin was more at tertiary care, and atenolol, lisinopril, losartan, amlodipine and simvasatin in primary care (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There is low use of β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs and statins in stable CHD patients among physicians in Rajasthan. Significant differences in use of specific molecules at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare are observed.

Educational Disparities in Distribution of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Care in Korean Adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey IV

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate how educational status influences cardiovascular risk factors and care of diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Methods

From Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey IV, we obtained survey results of 6,835 men and 9,067 women more than 30 years old. We performed multivariate logistic regression to compare cardiovascular risk factors and care of hypertension and diabetes respective to educational status.

Results

There were disparities in cardiovascular risk factors by educational status. In men, impaired fasting glucose, high triglyceride, and smoking were less frequently found in the highest educated group than in the middle educated group. In women, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, impaired fasting glucose, high blood pressure, high triglyceride, and metabolic syndrome among the highest educated group were significantly lower. The proportion of those with proper physical activity in the highest educated group was found to be less than that of the middle educated group, regardless of gender. For care of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, disease recognition and treatment were lower among the lowest educated group in men, while these disparities were not shown in women. Instead, the lowest educated group in diabetic women received screening exams for eye and kidney complications less than the middle education group. In both genders, the high education group had a higher chance of receiving education about diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

There were educational disparities in cardiovascular risk factors and care of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The disparities were found to be different by gender.

Socioeconomic status and incident cardiovascular disease in a developing country: findings from the Isfahan cohort study (ICS)

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a sample of the Iranian population.

METHODS

We followed 6,504 participants who were initially free from CVD. At baseline, subjects were assessed for CVD risk factors and self-reported data were obtained for education, occupation, and income.

RESULTS

After 24,379 person-years of follow-up (median = 4.8 years), 276 incident cases of CVD were detected. There was no significant association between the level of education and the incidence of CVD. In univariate analysis, retired individuals showed a significantly higher incidence of CVD than individuals who were working, and subjects in the highest tertile of income were less likely to suffer CVD than those in the lowest tertile. However, the associations disappeared after adjusting for age and sex.

DISCUSSION

There was no detectable, independent association between the SES and incident CVD. The counterbalance of the higher exposure to CVD risk factors and better access to health-care services and more appropriate risk factor modification in higher socioeconomic classes might diminish the association of SES and CVD in developing countries.

Association of educational, occupational and socioeconomic status with cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Indians: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

To determine correlation of multiple parameters of socioeconomic status with cardiovascular risk factors in India.

METHODS

The study was performed at eleven cities using cluster sampling. Subjects (n = 6198, men 3426, women 2772) were evaluated for socioeconomic, demographic, biophysical and biochemical factors. They were classified into low, medium and high socioeconomic groups based on educational level (<10, 10-15 and >15 yr formal education), occupational class and socioeconomic scale. Risk factor differences were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted prevalence (%) of risk factors in men and women was overweight or obesity in 41.1 and 45.2, obesity 8.3 and 15.8, high waist circumference 35.7 and 57.5, high waist-hip ratio 69.0 and 83.8, hypertension 32.5 and 30.4, hypercholesterolemia 24.8 and 25.3, low HDL cholesterol 34.1 and 35.1, high triglycerides 41.2 and 31.5, diabetes 16.7 and 14.4 and metabolic syndrome in 32.2 and 40.4 percent. Lifestyle factors were smoking 12.0 and 0.5, other tobacco use 12.7 and 6.3, high fat intake 51.2 and 48.2, low fruits/vegetables intake 25.3 and 28.9, and physical inactivity in 38.8 and 46.1%. Prevalence of > = 3 risk factors was significantly greater in low (28.0%) vs. middle (23.9%) or high (22.1%) educational groups (p<0.01). In low vs. high educational groups there was greater prevalence of high waist-hip ratio (odds ratio 2.18, confidence interval 1.65-2.71), low HDL cholesterol (1.51, 1.27-1.80), hypertriglyceridemia (1.16, 0.99-1.37), smoking/tobacco use (3.27, 2.66-4.01), and low physical activity (1.15, 0.97-1.37); and lower prevalence of high fat diet (0.47, 0.38-0.57),overweight/obesity (0.68, 0.58-0.80) and hypercholesterolemia (0.79, 0.66-0.94). Similar associations were observed with occupational and socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSIONS

Low educational, occupational and socioeconomic status Asian Indians have greater prevalence of truncal obesity, low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, smoking or tobacco use and low physical activity and clustering of > = 3 major cardiovascular risk factors.

Status of epidemiology in the WHO South-East Asia region: burden of disease, determinants of health and epidemiological research, workforce and training capacity

BACKGROUND

The South-East Asia region (SEAR) accounts for one-quarter of the world's population, 40% of the global poor and ∼30% of the global disease burden, with a disproportionately large share of tuberculosis (35%), injuries (30%), maternal (33%) and <5-year-old mortality (30%). In this article, we describe the disease burden and status of epidemiological research and capacity in the SEAR to understand, analyse and develop capacity in response to the diverse burdens of diseases in the region.

METHODS

Data on morbidity, mortality, risk factors, social determinants, research capacity, health education, workforce and systems in the SEAR were obtained using global data on burden of disease, peer-reviewed journals, World Health Organization (WHO) technical and advisory reports, and where available, validated country reports and key informants from the region.

RESULTS

SEAR countries are afflicted with a triple burden of disease-infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and injuries. Of the seven WHO regions, SEAR countries account for the highest proportion of global mortality (26%) and due to relatively younger ages at death, the second highest percentage of total years of life lost (30%). The SEAR exceeds the global average annual mortality rate for all three broad cause groupings-communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions (334 vs 230 per 100 000); non-communicable diseases (676 vs 573 per 100 000); and injuries (101 vs 78 per 100 000). Poverty, education and other social determinants of health are strongly linked to inequities in health among SEAR countries and within socio-economic subgroups. India, Thailand and Bangladesh produce two-thirds of epidemiology publications in the region. Significant efforts to increase health workforce capacity, research and training have been undertaken in the region, yet considerable heterogeneity in resources and capacity remains.

CONCLUSIONS

Health systems, statistics and surveillance programmes must respond to the demographic, economic and epidemiological transitions that define the current disease burden and risk profile of SEAR populations. Inequities in health must be critically analysed, documented and addressed through multi-sectoral approaches. There is a critical need to improve public health intelligence by building epidemiological capacity in the region.

Socio-economic distribution of cardiovascular risk factors and knowledge in rural India

BACKGROUND

To investigate the prevalence, screening and knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) by socio-economic position (SEP) in rural India.

METHODS

An age- and sex-stratified random sample of 4535 adults was recruited from rural Andhra Pradesh and a questionnaire was administered to assess prevalence, screening and knowledge of CVRFs and record recent attempts to modify behaviour. Education, income and occupation were used to measure SEP.

RESULTS

Lower fruit intake and higher tobacco and alcohol use were found in those with lower SEP. Overweight, physical inactivity, diabetes, hypertension, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and previous CVD (men only) were greater in higher SEP participants. Lower SEP participants had less blood pressure, glucose or cholesterol screening and less knowledge of nine CVRFs. Regardless of SEP, participants knowledgeable of the harms of a CVRF were more likely to have attempted to modify behaviour. For example, knowledge of benefits of smoking cessation was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for attempting to quit: in educated participants-OR 3.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10-6.42; in participants with no education-OR 3.98, 95% CI 2.27-6.97.

CONCLUSIONS

Some biological CVRFs were worse in higher SEP participants while some behavioural risk factors were worse in lower SEP participants. Lower SEP participants had less CVRF screening and knowledge of CVRFs. Those with knowledge of CVRFs were more likely to make healthy behavioural changes. Our findings suggest equipping rural Indians with knowledge about CVRFs may ameliorate projected future increases in CVD.

Association between socioeconomic status and self-reported diabetes in India: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and type 2 diabetes in India.

DESIGN

Nationally representative cross-sectional household survey.

SETTING

Urban and rural areas across 29 states in India.

PARTICIPANTS

168 135 survey respondents aged 18-49 years (women) and 18-54 years (men).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Self-reported diabetes status.

RESULTS

Markers of SES were social caste, household wealth and education. The overall prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 1.5%; this increased to 1.9% and 2.5% for those with the highest levels of education and household wealth, respectively. In multilevel logistic regression models (adjusted for age, gender, religion, marital status and place of residence), education (OR 1.87 for higher education vs no education) and household wealth (OR 4.04 for richest quintile vs poorest) were positively related to self-reported diabetes (p<0.0001). In a fully adjusted model including all socioeconomic variables and body mass index, household wealth emerged as positive and statistically significant with an OR for self-reported diabetes of 2.58 (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.99 to 3.40) for the richest quintile of household wealth versus the poorest. Nationally in India, a one-quintile increase in household wealth was associated with an OR of 1.31 (95% CrI 1.20 to 1.42) for self-reported diabetes. This association was consistent across states with the relationship found to be positive in 97% of states (28 of 29) and statistically significant in 69% (20 of 29 states).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that the highest SES groups in India appear to be at greatest risk for type 2 diabetes. This raises important policy implications for addressing the disease burdens among the poor versus those among the non-poor in the context of India, where >40% of the population is living in poverty.

Twenty-year trends in cardiovascular risk factors in India and influence of educational status

BACKGROUND

Urban middle-socioeconomic status (SES) subjects have high burden of cardiovascular risk factors in low-income countries. To determine secular trends in risk factors among this population and to correlate risks with educational status we performed epidemiological studies in India.

METHODS

Five cross-sectional studies were performed in middle-SES urban locations in Jaipur, India from years 1992 to 2010. Cluster sampling was performed. Subjects (men, women) aged 20-59 years evaluated were 712 (459, 253) in 1992-94, 558 (286, 272) in 1999-2001, 374 (179, 195) in 2002-03, 887 (414, 473) in 2004-05, and 530 (324, 206) in 2009-10. Data were obtained by history, anthropometry, and fasting blood glucose and lipids estimation. Response rates varied from 55 to 75%. Mean values and risk factor prevalence were determined. Secular trends were identified using quadratic and log-linear regression and chi-squared for trend.

RESULTS

Across the studies, there was high prevalence of overweight, hypertension, and lipid abnormalities. Age- and sex-adjusted trends showed significant increases in mean body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (quadratic and log-linear regression, p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased while insignificant changes were observed for waist-hip ratio and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Categorical trends showed increase in overweight and decrease in smoking (p < 0.05); insignificant changes were observed in truncal obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes. Adjustment for educational status attenuated linear trends in BMI and total and LDL cholesterol and accentuated trends in systolic BP, glucose, and HDL cholesterol. There was significant association of an increase in education with decline in smoking and an increase in overweight (two-line regression p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In Indian urban middle-SES subjects there is high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Over a 20-year period BMI and overweight increased, smoking and systolic BP decreased, and truncal obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes remained stable. Increasing educational status attenuated trends for systolic BP, glucose and HDL cholesterol, and BMI.

Factors related to risk of cardiovascular disease among older korean chinese with hypertension

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among older Korean Chinese with hypertension-one of the most underserved and understudied ethnic minority groups in China. In addition, factors underlying the risk of CVD were examined.

METHODS

A total of 334 participants were recruited at the Community Health Service Center in Yanji, China. Data regarding socioeconomic, health-related, psychosocial, and other CVD risk factors were collected between June and October 2009. In this cross-sectional study, factors related to the risk of CVD were assessed by multivariate logistic regression; the Framingham Risk Score was used to measure the risk of CVD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes, and current smoking were 75.4%, 6.6%, and 23.1% respectively. Participants who lived alone were twice as likely to have a high risk of CVD (10-year risk of CVD ≥15%; odds ratio [OR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.54). Those with a higher education level and greater knowledge about hypertension were at 57% and 62% reduced risk for CVD (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21-0.92 and OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-0.95, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Future intervention should include strategies to addressing social isolation and also focus on older Korean Chinese with low education. Knowledge enhancement program is warranted for the prevention of CVD in this population.

Distribution of 10-year and lifetime predicted risk for cardiovascular disease in the Indian Sentinel Surveillance Study population (cross-sectional survey results)

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines recommend lifetime risk stratification for primary prevention of CVD, but no such risk stratification has been performed in India to date.

METHODS

The authors estimated short-term and lifetime predicted CVD risk among 10,054 disease-free, adult Indians in the 20-69-year age group who participated in a nationwide risk factor surveillance study. The study population was then stratified into high short-term (≥ 10% 10-year risk or diabetes), low short-term (<10%)/high lifetime and low short-term/low lifetime CVD risk groups.

RESULTS

The mean age (SD) of the study population (men=63%) was 40.8 ± 10.9 years. High short-term risk for coronary heart disease was prevalent in more than one-fifth of the population (23.5%, 95% CI 22.7 to 24.4). Nearly half of individuals with low short-term predicted risk (48.2%, 95% CI 47.1 to 49.3) had a high predicted lifetime risk for CVD. While the proportion of individuals with all optimal risk factors was 15.3% (95% CI 14.6% to 16.0%), it was 20.6% (95% CI 18.7% to 22.6%) and 8.8% (95% CI 7.7% to 10.5%) in the highest and lowest educational groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one in two men and three in four women in India had low short-term predicted risks for CVD in this national study, based on aggregate risk factor burden. However, two in three men and one in two women had high lifetime predicted risks for CVD, highlighting a key limitation of short-term risk stratification.