title: Association of Socioeconomic Position and Demographic Characteristics with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Healthcare Access among Adults Living in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
abstract: Background. The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing in low-to-middle income countries. We examined how socioeconomic and demographic characteristics may be associated with CVD risk factors and healthcare access in such countries. Methods. We extracted data from the World Health Organization's STEPwise approach to surveillance 2002 cross-sectional dataset from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). We used these data to estimate associations for socioeconomic position (education, income, and employment) and demographics (age, sex, and urban/rural) with CVD risk factors and with healthcare access, among a sample of 1638 adults (25-64 years). Results. In general, we found significantly higher proportions of daily tobacco use among men than women and respondents reporting primary-level education (<9 years) than among those with postsecondary education (>12 years). Results also revealed significant positive associations between paid employment and waist circumference and systolic blood pressure. Healthcare access did not differ significantly by socioeconomic position. Women reported significantly higher mean waist circumference than men. Conclusion. Our results suggest that socioeconomic position and demographic characteristics impact CVD risk factors and healthcare access in FSM. This understanding may help decision-makers tailor population-level policies and programs. The 2002 Pohnpei data provides a baseline; subsequent population health surveillance data might define trends.
authors.affiliation: Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop K10, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Hosey
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Social Affairs, Federated States of Micronesia National Government, P.O. Box PS70, Palikir, FM 96941, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samo
authors.affiliation: Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop K10, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Gregg
authors.affiliation: Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop K10, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.affiliation: Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Padden
authors.affiliation: Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Bibb