IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN GEORGIAN POPULATION

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading global cause of death, accounting for 30% of all fatalities.
• In Georgia, CVDs, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, contribute significantly to mortality.
• Limited data exists on the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and CVD risk in Georgia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adult Georgians.
• To identify specific SES indicators and anthropometric measurements linked to increased CVD risk.
• To inform public health and clinical strategies for CVD prevention in Georgia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study conducted in Western Georgia (June 2007 - June 2008) enrolled 1196 adults aged 40-70 years.
• Socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed through education, income, private transport ownership, and employment.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was evaluated using the WHO/ISH risk classification scale, alongside anthropometric measurements.

Main Results:

• Low education level (OR 2.85) and obesity (OR 2.13) were significantly associated with a >10% 10-year risk of fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events.
• Obesity (OR 1.58) and abdominal obesity (OR 1.43) were significant predictors of CVD.
• Lower education, higher income (≥$120), overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity were identified as statistically significant predictors of CVD.

Conclusions:

• Education level, income, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio are significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• Public health authorities and clinicians should integrate SES factors into primary and secondary CVD prevention programs.
• Multidisciplinary teams are recommended to effectively address identified CVD risk factors in the Georgian population.