Socioeconomic Determinants of Health: An Adult Population Based Study in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Type Journal Article - Shiraz E-Medical Journal
Title Socioeconomic Determinants of Health: An Adult Population Based Study in Shiraz, Southern Iran
Author(s)
Volume 16
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
URL http://emedicalj.com/27856.fulltext
Abstract
Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in Iran.

Objectives: Therefore, knowing about NCDs status and its socioeconomic determinants are the cornerstone for the interventions that policymakers and health providers apply to improve the health of community. This research includes a full exploration of the relevant data.

Patients and Methods: This was a population-based cluster randomized sampling carried out in Shiraz, Iran. In this regard, demographic, socioeconomic status, and medical history of adult participants (at least 18 year old) were collected. In the next step, physical examination and anthropometric data were taken. Finally, fasting blood glucose (FBS), lipid profile, and complete blood count (CBC) measurement were done.

Results: Overall, 777 participants, mean age of 42.6 ± 13.8 (ranging from 18 to 88) year, were included in this study while female (451; 58%), middle-aged (203; 26.1%), married (653; 84%), and those with up to 12 years of education (470; 60.5%) were the majorities. Among the participants, 453 (58.3%) were among overweight to severely obese groups, 441 (56.7%) did not have physical activity, 148 (19.3%) were smokers, 280 (36%) had hypercholesterolemia, 239 (30.8%) had hypertriglyceridemia, 54 (6.9%) had high LDL, 93 (11.9%) had low HDL, and 49 (6.3%) were anemic. Women had significantly lower height (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), and waist circumference (P < 0.001), but higher BMI (P < 0.001) compared to those parameters in men. Of total participants, 240 (30.9%) had prehypertension, 62 (8.0%) had stage I hypertension, and 16 (2.1%) had stage II hypertension. Overall, 76 (9.8%) subjects had hypertension, while most of them (57; 75%) were aware of their disease and consumed antihypertensive drugs. Of 777 participants, 148 (19.1%) had impaired glucose tolerance test and 51 (6.5%) were diabetic. However, 46 (5.9%) were aware of their disease and only 35 (4.5%) consumed glucose lowering agents to control plasma glucose. Those with fewer years of education had significantly higher prevalence of obesity (P = 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), and DM (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: At least 1 out of 2 adult people in Shiraz does not have physical activity and has high BMI, while 1 out of 3 has at least one abnormal components in their lipid profile. Prediabetes, hypertensive, and diabetic groups comprised a significant portion of population. Among different groups, women and less educated people belonged to the high risk groups. Therefore a multidisciplinary approach is needed to control this event, especially in high risk population.

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