Association of socioeconomic profiles with cardiovascular risk factors in Iran: the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods: A representative sample of adult populations living in three cities in Iran was studied. The demographic and subjective data were collected by questionnaires prepared and validated for this study; physical examination and laboratory tests were conducted under standard protocols. Three components of SES including education, occupation, and income were determined. The univariate ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The population studied (99.3% response rate) comprised 12,514 subjects (51% females, mean age 38.4 ± 14.3 years). While higher education was a protective factor against smoking in men OR = 0.8 (95% CI = 0.7-0.8), it increased the risk of smoking in women OR = 1.2 (95% CI = 1.02-1.5). The other risk factors increased with education especially in men. Higher income level increased the OR of CVD risk factors. Occupation had an inverse association with the aforementioned risk factors. The employed individuals had higher serum lipid level and body mass index than unemployed individual.

Conclusion: In line with previous studies, we found an association between SES and CVD risk factors. Education level was the strongest associated factor.