Association of social determinants of health and cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes in Colombia.

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health are social and economic factors that influence health intervention outcomes. Type 2 diabetes is a highly prevalent disease, primarily affecting individuals in low-to-middle-income countries. However, the association between social determinants and cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes has not been widely studied.

AIM

To examine the relationship between social determinants of health and cardiovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with an analytical component at a national-level referral hospital for military personnel in Bogota, Colombia. Patients treated at the diabetes clinic between September 2021 and December 2022 who met the inclusion criteria were included. A total of 583 patients participated in the study. We performed descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses, adjusting for confounding variables.

RESULTS

Among the 583 patients included, urban residency [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-9.20] and a middle or high educational level (OR = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.14-4.72) were associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Additionally, receiving diabetes education beyond that provided by the clinic (OR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.14-4.05) and lack of access to spaces for physical activity (OR = 4.05, 95%CI: 1.31-12.5) were associated with a higher risk of diabetic nephropathy and cerebrovascular disease, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Programs for diabetes management should account for social determinants of health that contribute to cardiovascular complications and increased healthcare costs. Population-based studies are needed to guide targeted interventions and clarify causal relationships.