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Lonely hearts don't get checked: On the role of social support in screening for cardiovascular risk
Dafina Petrova1, Rocio Garcia-Retamero2, Andrés Catena1
1Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, Spain.
Insights
Perceived social support significantly increases adherence to cardiovascular risk screening for conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol. This highlights social support as a key factor in preventive health behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Epidemiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease prevention relies on regular screening for risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol.
- Factors influencing consistent participation in cardiovascular risk screening are not well understood.
- Social support is a potential determinant of health-related behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between perceived social support and adherence to cardiovascular risk screening.
- To identify demographic and health-related factors associated with screening adherence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 2012 Spanish National Health Survey (N=21,007).
- Assessment of blood pressure and cholesterol screening participation within the past 12 months.
- Measurement of social support using a validated scale and logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates.
Main Results:
- Individuals with sufficient social support were twice as likely to undergo blood pressure screening (OR=2.06) and nearly three times as likely for cholesterol screening (OR=2.85).
- These associations remained consistent across demographics.
- Lower social class, being single/widowed, smoking, alcohol consumption, and no prior cardiovascular risk history were linked to poorer screening adherence.
Conclusions:
- Perceived social support is a significant positive predictor of adherence to cardiovascular risk screening.
- Further research is needed to determine specific types of social support that can enhance screening participation, particularly in high-risk populations.
Objective:
Regular cardiovascular risk screening can prevent cardiovascular disease through timely implementation of lifestyle changes or medication. However, few studies have investigated what factors promote regular screening for risk factors like hypertension and high blood cholesterol. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between social support and adherence to cardiovascular risk screening.
Methods:
We analyzed data from the Spanish National Health Survey-a cross-sectional representative survey conducted by the Spanish Ministry of Health in 2012 (N=21,007). Participants reported whether they had their blood pressure and cholesterol levels measured by a health professional in the previous 12 months. Social support (i.e., the perception that emotional and practical support was available when needed) was measured with a validated scale. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted adjusted for demographic and health-related factors.
Results:
Compared to individuals who reported a lack of social support, individuals who perceived sufficient social support were on average twice more likely to report participation in blood pressure screening, OR=2.06, 95% CI [1.60, 2.66] and cholesterol screening, OR=2.85, 95% CI [1.99, 4.09]. These effects were uniform across different demographics and were replicated in a previous wave of the survey. Factors associated with worse screening adherence were low social class, being single or widowed, smoking, alcohol consumption, and no history of cardiovascular risk.
Discussion:
Perceptions of social support are positively related to cardiovascular risk screening adherence. Future research should investigate what type of social support most effectively increases screening participation among high risk populations.
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