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Sex differentials in cardiovascular mortality: an ecological analysis
1Department of Sociology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Environmental and socioeconomic factors significantly influence cardiovascular mortality rates and sex differences. Community-level changes in environment and sustenance organization are key to reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) exhibits significant spatial variations in mortality.
- Sex differentials in CVD mortality are influenced by a complex interplay of ecological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain spatial variations in cardiovascular mortality by sex.
- To identify key ecological factors contributing to sex differentials in CVD mortality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of U.S. county-level cardiovascular mortality data for ages 25-65 (1970-1980).
- Testing an ecological model incorporating environmental, sustenance organization, health technology, and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Environmental factors demonstrated the greatest impact on sex differentials in cardiovascular mortality.
- Socioeconomic status was the most significant variable for cardiovascular mortality rates across sexes.
- Health technology availability showed no significant impact and was sometimes correlated with higher mortality.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and sustenance organization structures are critical targets for interventions to reduce cardiovascular mortality.
- Community-level modifications addressing environment and sustenance organization are more effective than focusing on health technology alone.