Micro-scale socioeconomic inequalities and health indicators in a small isolated community of Vis Island, Croatia

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether socioeconomic inequalities at a micro-scale, through their effect on major health risk factors and other health indicators, contribute to health status in an isolated island population with demonstrated reduced genetic and environmental variability.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2003 and 2004 in the adult population of the island of Vis, Croatia. Participants were recruited from the electoral register. A total of 1024 participants were included in the study, which represented a response rate of approximately 70%. The level of education and household socioeconomic status were used as the socioeconomic status indicators. Associations of these indicators with hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, diet indicators, and supplementary vitamins and calcium intake were investigated. Data analysis was performed by multivariate methods.

Results: Age and gender were most commonly associated with the presence of major health risk factors. Level of education did not show significant association with any of the investigated risk factors, supplements intake, or with dietary habits. Household socioeconomic status was significantly associated only with excessive alcohol intake (logistic regression odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-3.07, P=0.016), obesity (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.13-2.81 P=0.013), and high-fat diet (multiple linear modeling F=2.75, P=0.042).

Conclusion: In isolated communities, socioeconomic stratification may be a less important health determinant than in large general populations, making these populations favorable resource for biomedical research into other health risk factors.