J Korean Acad Nurs.  2010 Dec;40(6):831-843. 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.6.831.

Comparison of Cardiovascular Health Status and Health Behaviors in Korean Women based on Household Income

• Park YJ
• Shin NM
• Yoon JW
• Choi J
• Lee SJ

• KMID: 999485
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.6.831

Abstract

PURPOSE
In this study cardiovascular health status and health behavior of Korean women based on their household income were explored.
METHODS
For this cross-sectional study, 91 women residing in the community were recruited to complete survey questionnaires and biophysical tests including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), body fat rate, waist circumference (WC), and blood chemistry tests.
RESULTS
Compared to non-low income women (NLIW), low income women (LIW) were more likely to be older, less educated, and jobless, and further more LIW were postmenopause and reported having been diagnosed with hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. Significant differences were found in systolic BP, triglyceride level, BMI, body fat rate, and WC between the groups. Two fifths of the LIW had indications for metabolic syndrome. Their 10-yr risk estimate of myocardioal infarction or coronary death demonstrated a higher probability than that of NLIW. Although these significant differences were due to age gap between the groups, advanced age is known to be one of the key characteristics of LIW as well as a non-modifiable risk factor.
CONCLUSION
Effective community programs for vulnerable women at risk of cardiovascular disease should be based on strategies targeting unhealthy behaviors and modifiable risk factors.

Keyword

Cardiovascular diseases; Hypertension; Dyslipidemias; Obesity; Metabolic syndrome X

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Blood Chemical Analysis
Blood Pressure
Body Fat Distribution
Body Mass Index
Cross-Sectional Studies
Family Characteristics
Female
*Health Behavior
*Health Status
Humans
Hypercholesterolemia/*diagnosis/economics
Hypertension/*diagnosis/economics
Income/*statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
Questionnaires
Republic of Korea
Risk Factors
Waist Circumference

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