Health inequalities and the impact on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and chronic complications in Argentina: a study on national risk factors surveys.

BACKGROUND

In Argentina, there is evidence of health inequalities, measured both at the general level and also using income as a parameter of social status. However, few studies address the issue of health equality in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

To describe health inequalities, using cardiovascular risk factors as a tracer for chronic diseases in different areas of the country and over time. In addition, we aim to identify differences in the quality of care provided to people with cardiovascular risk factors, between 2005 and 2009.

METHODS

This is an observational study, which used descriptive and quantitative methods. Data from the National Risk Factors Survey from 2005 and 2009 in the cohorts who have chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and overweight/obesity) were analyzed to assess associations between health status and several demographic, epidemiological and socioeconomic variables. Additionally, clinical and metabolic characteristics of people with diabetes and other cardiovascular risks factors were analyzed in 2005 and 2009 using the database Quality of Diabetes Care (QUALIDIAB).

RESULTS

Cardiovascular risk factors are more frequent in people with lower socioeconomic status, regardless of the indicator. The inequalities detected showed the worst indicators in strata with lower education and income, with the same results both nationwide and separated by region. This inequalities were more pronounced in 2009, and their magnitude changed by region and cardiovascular risk factor. From 2005 to 2009, body mass index, blood glucose and HbA1c value increased. In contrast, both systolic blood pressure and triglycerides decreased, with no significant changes in total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular risk factors present inequalities attributed to social status manifesting at both national and regional levels.