Socioeconomic risk factors for lung function decline in a general population.
The aim of our study was to examine sex-specific associations between different aspects of socioeconomic status (SES) (educational level, occupational status, income) and lung function in a general adult population. In the Hordaland County Cohort Study, 1,644 subjects aged 26-82 yrs at baseline answered questionnaires and performed post-bronchodilator spirometry both in 1996-1997 and in 2003-2006. We performed adjusted linear regression analysis on the effect of SES on decline in forced experimental volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV(1)/FVC. Mean annual decline in FEV(1) from baseline to follow-up was 57 mL (se 1.3) and 48 mL (se 1.0) for males and females, respectively. Males had a larger decline in FVC than females, while females had a larger decline in FEV(1)/FVC. Lower education and low occupational status were associated with larger male lung function decline. SES did not affect female lung function decline. However, marital status was a significant predictor; unmarried females had less decline than both married and widowed females in both FEV(1) (adjusted mean annual difference 8 mL and 16 mL) and FVC (adjusted mean annual difference 8 mL and 18 mL). Low SES was associated with increased lung function decline in males. For females, marital status was more important.
Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway. ane.johannessen@helse-bergen.no
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Johannessen
T M L
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Eagan
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Omenaas
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Bakke
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Gulsvik
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods