Socioeconomic Indicators Related to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Hispanics    

John P. Elder, PhD, MPH  
Susan I. Woodruff, MA 
Jeanette Candelaria, MPH  
Amanda L. Golbeck, PhD 
Jeffrey L. Alvarez, BS  
Michael H. Criqui, MD, MPH 
Craig D. Norquist, BS  
Joan W. Rupp, MS, RD

Objective: To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among Hispanic adults enrolled in English as a Second Language classes. Methods: Subjects (n=332) completed assessments of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and HDL cholesterol, body mass, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, family history of premature CVD, dietary fat intake, and six SES/social class indicators: Spanish literacy, acculturation to U.S. culture, years of education, years in the United States, income, and employment status. Results: In general, SES was inversely related to CVD risk factors. Conclusion: Although the patterns of relationships between the various SES indicators and CVD risk factors varied, so did findings by gender.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(3):172-185