A prospective longitudinal approach to examine the association between social position in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood with the control of hypertension during adulthood.

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the main concerns in public health, since it is related with increased morbidity, and potential years of life lost in addition to loss of quality of life. This study aimed to assess: (1) the distribution of indicators of life course SEP in a cohort of Colombian patients with hypertension and (2) to assess the association of life course SEP and control of hypertension among this cohort of patients. Methods: Data were obtained using the baseline survey of 258 patients from the Social Determinants and Inequities in the Control of Blood Hypertension Program (ProDSICHA). Mother occupation and housing conditions were measured with the Event History Calendar. Mother educational level was measured with the questionnaire developed by the Project on Ethnicity and Race in Latin America (PERLA). Socioeconomic position during adulthood was measured using education, occupation, and income level based in the MacArthur Network. Results: The group with a higher lifelong social position and the group of lower lifelong social position showed better control of hypertension (OR = 1.21; p <0.05; OR = 1.33; p < .05, respectively) compared to those whose social position throughout life varied the most. No statistical differences were found in the relations between single lifetime social position variables, and hypertension control in the three time points analyzed. Discussion: These findings warrant further research to deeper our understanding on the role of a multidimensional and cumulative approach of social position in hypertension control.

Cardiovascular disease prevention capacity in Colombian local health departments.

Prevention capacity of local health organisations is associated with the performance and outcomes in public health. In Colombia, where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, there is limited knowledge about the capacity of local health departments to prevent this condition. Efforts are needed to address problems, potential solutions and expected outcomes regarding cardiovascular disease. In this study, a conceptual model for cardiovascular disease prevention capacity in Colombian local health departments was developed, a questionnaire based on this model was validated, the overall cardiovascular disease prevention capacity in a subsample of these organisations was measured, and the association between cardiovascular disease prevention capacity and political, population, and organisational factors was examined. Once the acceptable performance of the questionnaire was verified, variability in cardiovascular prevention capacity was found among a subsample of local health departments. Furthermore, this study provides primary evidence regarding the association between the size of local health departments and overall cardiovascular disease prevention capacity in Colombia. Future studies should focus on measuring this capacity on a larger scale and developing, implementing, and evaluating interventions aimed at strengthening cardiovascular prevention capacity in Colombian local jurisdictions.

Using participatory action research to reimagine community mental health services in Colombia: a mixed-method study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Mental healthcare systems are challenged by how they hear and respond to what marginalised communities experience as drivers of mental distress. In Colombia, this challenge intersects with wider challenges facing post-conflict reconstruction. Our pilot study will explore the feasibility and acceptability of a participatory approach to developing community-led participatory interventions for community mental health systems strengthening and mental health improvement, in two sites in Caquetá, Colombia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The project is divided into three distinct phases aligned with community participatory action research cycles: diagnostic, intervention and evaluation. This allows us to use a participatory approach to design a community-led, bottom-up intervention for mental health systems strengthening and the promotion of mental health and well-being.The diagnostic phase explores local understandings of mental health, mental distress and access to mental health services from community members and health providers. The intervention stage will be guided by a participatory Theory of Change process. Community priorities will inform the development of a participatory, learning and action (PLA) informed group intervention, with a community linkage forum. The pilot of the PLA intervention will be evaluated using MRC process evaluation guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project has received ethical approval from two sources. Universidad de Los Andes (2021-1393) and the University College London (16127/005). Dissemination of findings will include academic publications, community forums, policy briefs and visual media (cartoons, pod casts and short films).

Built environment interventions and physical activity levels: A systematic review. / Intervenciones en el ambiente construido y niveles de actividad física: una revisión sistemática

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and physical activity is a key preventive strategy to reduce them. There is a relationship between the built environment and the practice of physical activity, but little evidence as to whether those built environment interventions not initially designed for promoting physical activity actually have an impact on promoting the behavior. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether such built environment interventions were able to change physical activity in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of interventions targeting modifications to the built environment changes in urban areas. RESULTS: Out of 5,605 articles reviewed, only seven met our inclusion criteria. The seven studies found higher levels of physical activity after the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend greater specificity regarding the study design, the timeline of interventions implementation and post-intervention measurements, as well as the use of more objective measures. Finally, we point out the need to make more explicit the mechanisms of change related to the interventions assessed.

Introducción. Las enfermedades no transmisibles son la principal causa de muerte en todo el mundo y la actividad física es una estrategia preventiva clave para reducirlas. Hay una relación entre el entorno construido y la práctica de actividad física, pero poca evidencia de si las intervenciones no diseñadas en principio para promoverla, realmente tienen un impacto en ese sentido. Objetivo. Determinar si tales intervenciones en el entorno urbano pudieron cambiar la práctica de actividad física en adultos. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una revisión sistemática de las intervenciones que apuntaban a modificar el entorno construido en zonas urbanas. Resultados. De 5.605 artículos considerados, solo siete cumplieron con nuestros criterios de inclusión y en todos ellos aumentó la actividad física después de la intervención. Conclusiones. Se recomienda que el diseño del estudio, el cronograma de implementación de las intervenciones y las mediciones posteriores sean más específicas, de manera que las medidas obtenidas sean más objetivas. Asimismo, se argumenta la necesidad de hacer más explícitos los mecanismos de cambio relacionados con las intervenciones evaluadas.

Built environment interventions and physical activity levels: A systematic review / Intervenciones en el ambiente construido y niveles de actividad física: una revisión sistemática

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and physical activity is a key preventive strategy to reduce them. There is a relationship between the built environment and the practice of physical activity, but little evidence as to whether those built environment interventions not initially designed for promoting physical activity actually have an impact on promoting the behavior. Objective: To identify whether such built environment interventions were able to change physical activity in adults. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review of interventions targeting modifications to the built environment changes in urban areas. Results: Out of 5,605 articles reviewed, only seven met our inclusion criteria. The seven studies found higher levels of physical activity after the interventions. Conclusions: We recommend greater specificity regarding the study design, the timeline of interventions implementation and post-intervention measurements, as well as the use of more objective measures. Finally, we point out the need to make more explicit the mechanisms of change related to the interventions assessed.

Introducción. Las enfermedades no transmisibles son la principal causa de muerte en todo el mundo y la actividad física es una estrategia preventiva clave para reducirlas. Hay una relación entre el entorno construido y la práctica de actividad física, pero poca evidencia de si las intervenciones no diseñadas en principio para promoverla, realmente tienen un impacto en ese sentido. Objetivo. Determinar si tales intervenciones en el entorno urbano pudieron cambiar la práctica de actividad física en adultos. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una revisión sistemática de las intervenciones que apuntaban a modificar el entorno construido en zonas urbanas. Resultados. De 5.605 artículos considerados, solo siete cumplieron con nuestros criterios de inclusión y en todos ellos aumentó la actividad física después de la intervención. Conclusiones. Se recomienda que el diseño del estudio, el cronograma de implementación de las intervenciones y las mediciones posteriores sean más específicas, de manera que las medidas obtenidas sean más objetivas. Asimismo, se argumenta la necesidad de hacer más explícitos los mecanismos de cambio relacionados con las intervenciones evaluadas.

Using an Intervention Mapping Approach to Develop a Program for Preventing High Blood Pressure in a Marginalized Afro-Colombian Population: A Community-Based Participatory Research.

The prevention of high blood pressure (HBP) is an important public health initiative worldwide, since HBP is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and increases the damage caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We designed, implemented, and evaluated a program to identify effective and sustainable interventions for preventing HBP in a marginalized black population. Our study was conducted in Quibdó, a city in Colombia with the highest poverty rate and located in the Pacific coast, a subregion in Colombia with the highest prevalence of HBP. We followed an intervention mapping framework using a community-based participatory research approach. Focus groups, photovoice, literature reviews, and cross-sectional quantitative surveys were used for data collection. The community chose the time, place, and type of physical activity; led the physical activities; and strengthened their skills in seeking resources in their community to sustain the program. The evaluation was aimed at determining whether the interventions were able to achieve the program's primary aim. We used a before (September 2016) and after (December 2017) design for the evaluation. To decrease the selection bias and allow comparisons between homogeneous groups, we used a propensity score matching technique. The steps required to create a self-sustaining physical activity program were provided in detail. The pre-post test showed a decrease of the HBP (systolic, 13.4% points; p = 0.018; diastolic, 6.5% points; p = 0.002). The program may be an effective and self-sustaining intervention, and it can be replicated by policymakers and implemented in other population groups.

Association of Leisure Activities With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older Adults in Colombia: A SABE-Based Study.

Observational and interventional studies suggest that participation in leisure activities may help protect against cognitive decline in older people. This study aimed to examine the association between participation in leisure activities and cognitive impairment in older adults in Colombia. Data for this study were derived from the Colombian National Survey of Aging (SABE 2015), a cross-sectional survey with a sample size of 23,694 older adults representing the total population (mean age, 70.8 years; 57.3% females). Cognitive impairment was classified as cognitive impairment without dementia (CIWD) and dementia, according to the revised version of the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination and the Lawton and Brody functional scale. Leisure activities were evaluated using six items of a questionnaire. Sex-stratified multinomial regression models were used to analyze the association of leisure activities with CIWD and dementia after adjusting for educational attainment, literacy, and other potential confounders. In adjusted models for men, leisure activities in later life were associated with a decreased risk of CIWD (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.78) and dementia (OR, 0,52; 95% CI, 0.48-0.58). For women, leisure activities in later life were associated with a decreased risk of CIWD (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66-0.78) and dementia (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.43-0.53). The findings suggest that greater participation in leisure activities in later life may act as a protective factor against CIWD and dementia among older adults in Colombia, independent of educational attainment and literacy.

Socioeconomic position and quality of life among Colombian hypertensive patients: The mediating effect of perceived stress.

This study aimed to assess the relationships between socioeconomic position, perceived stress and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of patients with hypertension. Data were obtained using the baseline survey of 258 patients from the Social Determinants and Inequities in the Control of Blood Hypertension Program (ProDSICHA). HRQoL was measured with SF-8 Health Survey. Socioeconomic position was measured using education, and the MacArthur Scale. Stress was measured with Perceived Stress Scale. A higher educational level was associated with a higher perception of stress (Coeff = 0.78, p = 0.019). Also, a lower position in the community was associated with a higher perception of stress (Coeff = -0.56, p = 0.027). A higher level of perceived stress was associated with a higher level of mental health (Coeff = 0.64, p = 0.000). No statistical differences were found in the relations between socioeconomic position and physical HRQoL. These findings warrant further research to understand the role of socioeconomic position in physical HRQoL.

Association of education level with diabetes prevalence in Latin American cities and its modification by city social environment.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes prevalence continues to increase in urban areas of low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Evidence from high-income countries suggests an inverse association between educational attainment and diabetes, but research in LMIC is limited. We investigated educational differences in diabetes prevalence across 232 Latin American (LA) cities, and the extent to which these inequities vary across countries/cities and are modified by city socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Using harmonised health survey and census data for 110 498 city dwellers from eight LA countries, we estimated the association between education and diabetes. We considered effect modification by city Social Environment Index (SEI) as a proxy for city-level development using multilevel models, considering heterogeneity by sex and country. RESULTS: In women, there was an inverse dose-response relationship between education and diabetes (OR: 0.80 per level increase in education, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.85), consistent across countries and not modified by SEI. In men, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Mexico showed an inverse association (pooled OR: 0.92; 95% CI 0.86 to 0.99). Peru, Panama and El Salvador showed a positive relationship (pooled OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.49). For men, these associations were further modified by city-SEI: in countries with an inverse association, it became stronger as city-SEI increased. In countries where the association was positive, it became weaker as city-SEI increased. CONCLUSION: Social inequities in diabetes inequalities increase as cities develop. To achieve non-communicable disease-related sustainable development goals in LMIC, there is an urgent need to develop policies aimed at reducing these educational inequities.

Chronic stress as a mediator of the relationship between socioeconomic status and pharmacological adherence in hypertensive patients / [El estrés crónico como mediador de la relación entre la posición socioeconómica y el cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico de pacientes hipertensos].

Introduction: High blood pressure is a public health problem worldwide. In Colombia, its prevalence is 25% with a high mortality rate. The psychosocial factors affecting pharmacological adherence among patients have not been sufficiently studied and despite international evidence on their impact, in Colombia, there is a paucity of research on the role of chronic stress in the relationship between socioeconomic status and pharmacological adherence. Objective: To examine the role of chronic stress in the relationship between socioeconomic status and pharmacological adherence in hypertensive patients aged 45 to 70 years old in three Colombian cities between 2015 and 2016. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a population of hypertensive patients. Data for this study came from the first wave of longitudinal study aimed at examining social factors associated with the control of hypertension in Bogotá, Medellín, and Quibdó. Patients with hypertension were selected randomly from a sample of those participating in the hypertension control program De todo corazón. For the statistical analysis of the data, we used factorial analysis and multivariate regressions. Results: We found a positive association between socioeconomic status and the degree of pharmacological adherence and a negative one with chronic stress. Besides, evidence was found that stress has a negative association with the degree of adherence. Conclusions: The results suggest that stress is not a likely mediator between socioeconomic status and the pharmacological adherence of hypertensive patients in Colombia. Additional studies are required to confirm these relationships with a larger sample.

Introducción. La hipertensión arterial sistémica es un problema de salud pública en el mundo. En Colombia, su prevalencia es del 25 % y la mortalidad es alta. Los factores psicosociales que afectan el cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico no han sido estudiados suficientemente. En otros países, se ha estudiado el papel del estrés crónico en la relación entre la posición socioeconómica y el cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico antihipertensivo. Objetivo. Examinar el papel del estrés crónico como mediador de la relación entre la posición socioeconómica y el cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico, en pacientes hipertensos de 45 a 70 años en el 2015 y el 2016. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal de una población de pacientes hipertensos. Los datos provienen de la muestra seleccionada para el programa "De todo corazón" en Bogotá, Medellín y Quibdó. El análisis estadístico de los datos se hizo mediante análisis factorial y regresiones multivariadas. Resultados. Los resultados confirmaron una asociación positiva entre la posición socioeconómica y el grado de cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico, y una relación negativa entre la primera y el estrés crónico. Además, se evidenció que el estrés tiene una asociación negativa con el grado de cumplimiento. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren que el estrés no es un mediador entre la posición socioeconómica y el cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico antihipertensivo en Colombia. Se requieren estudios adicionales para confirmar estas relaciones con una muestra más amplia.

Do the determinants of self-rated health vary among older people with disability, chronic diseases or both conditions in urban Colombia?

Our study aimed to identify the main determinants of self-rated health for individuals aged 60 years or older in Bogotá, Colombia, and if those determinants vary between groups. Data was obtained from the Demographic Health Survey 2011 for Bogotá. Logistic regression models were estimated to identify the determinants of excellent/good self-rated health among people aged 60 years or older living in Bogotá. Moreover, a subgroup analysis was conducted seeking to identify if the determinants changed between groups (men, women, persons with disability, with chronic disease(s), and persons with both disability and chronic disease(s)). The likelihood of reporting an excellent/good self-rated health health decreases when the individual has a disability, a chronic disease or reports that their household income is not enough to cover the basic needs. On the other hand, the odds of reporting excellent/good self-rated health increase when the individual is more educated and reports to receive family support. The subgroup analysis showed that although some determinants are only associated with one group (age with chronic diseases), in general, three main determinants stood out: years of education, socioeconomic status variables and receiving family support. The determinants of self-rated health for older adults in Bogotá differ according to the disability and the chronic disease status. Thus, public policies aiming to improve the levels of health and quality must consider the impacts of those characteristics on individuals' perceptions of their own health.

Establishing a local coalition for addressing social determinants of hypertension in Quibdó (Colombia): a description and reflection on the process.

One-fourth of the adult population of Colombia is estimated to have hypertension. However, there has been relatively little attention to participatory approaches that address the social determinants of hypertension at the local level in Colombia. Early stages of a coalition for addressing hypertension in Quibdó (Colombia) included a stakeholder analysis and engagement of local organizations. This was followed by defining mutual goals, agreement of rules for decision making, and refining a shared vision. Based on a unified understanding of factors influencing hypertension risk, 12 organizations joined the local coalition. They developed an action plan for preventing hypertension and eliminating social disparities in its distribution. Lessons learned during this process suggest that, in marginalized urban areas of middle- and low-income countries, particular attention should be paid, at early implementation stages of coalition, to context specific challenges and opportunities, coalition membership and structure, reframing health, and strengthening capacity.

Asociación entre marcadores de posición social y adherencia al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial en Colombia / Association between social position indicators and hypertension treatment adherence in Colombia

INTRODUCCIÓN: Generar evidencia sobre los efectos de la posición social en la adhe-rencia terapéutica en personas con hipertensión arterial (HTA) en Colombia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, a partir de mediciones cuan-titativas del Programa de Determinantes Sociales e Inequidades en el Control de la HTA en Colombia. Se desarrollaron análisis descriptivos e inferenciales (regresión logística) para modelar las asociaciones. RESULTADOS: Se evidenció una alta proporción de adherencia, siendo mayor para cumplimiento farmacológico y las citas (>50%). Las personas con menor educación e ingresos tienen menor posibilidad de adherirse al tratamiento farmacológico; mientras que quienes tienen mejor posición socioeconómica tienen menor posibilidad de adherirse a las citas y a las conductas saludables. Los afrocolombianos tienen menor posibilidad de adherirse al tratamiento farmacológico, a las citas y a la actividad física. DISCUSIÓN: Existe una brecha en el logro de la adherencia a tratamiento de HTA en Colombia, debido a condiciones socioeconómicas y étnica/raciales.

INTRODUCTION: To generate evidence on the effects of social position on therapeutic adherence among individuals with hypertension (HT) in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, using quantitative data from the Social Determinants and Inequities in the Control of HT Program in Colombia. Descriptive and inferential analyses (logistic regression) were developed to model the associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of adherence was high, especially for pharmacological treat-ment and compliance with appointments (>50%). Individuals with less education and lower income are less likely to adhere to pharmacological treatment, while tho-se with higher socioeconomic status are less likely to adhere to appointments and healthy behaviors. Afro-Colombians were less likely to adhere to pharmacological treatment, appointments, and indications regarding physical activity. DISCUSSION: There is a gap in HT treatment adherence in Colombia, due to socioeco-nomic and ethnic/racial conditions

Do the determinants of self-rated health vary among older people with disability, chronic diseases or both conditions in urban Colombia? / ¿Varían los determinantes de la salud autoevaluada entre las personas ancianas con discapacidad, enfermedades crónicas o ambas condiciones en áreas urbanas de Colombia? / Os determinantes da autopercepção da saúde variam entre idosos com deficiência, com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis ou com ambas condições nas áreas urbanas da Colômbia?

Abstract: Our study aimed to identify the main determinants of self-rated health for individuals aged 60 years or older in Bogotá, Colombia, and if those determinants vary between groups. Data was obtained from the Demographic Health Survey 2011 for Bogotá. Logistic regression models were estimated to identify the determinants of excellent/good self-rated health among people aged 60 years or older living in Bogotá. Moreover, a subgroup analysis was conducted seeking to identify if the determinants changed between groups (men, women, persons with disability, with chronic disease(s), and persons with both disability and chronic disease(s)). The likelihood of reporting an excellent/good self-rated health health decreases when the individual has a disability, a chronic disease or reports that their household income is not enough to cover the basic needs. On the other hand, the odds of reporting excellent/good self-rated health increase when the individual is more educated and reports to receive family support. The subgroup analysis showed that although some determinants are only associated with one group (age with chronic diseases), in general, three main determinants stood out: years of education, socioeconomic status variables and receiving family support. The determinants of self-rated health for older adults in Bogotá differ according to the disability and the chronic disease status. Thus, public policies aiming to improve the levels of health and quality must consider the impacts of those characteristics on individuals' perceptions of their own health.

Resumen: El objetivo fue identificar los determinantes principales de salud autoevaluada en individuos con edades comprendidas entre los 60 años o más en Bogotá, Colombia y si esos determinantes varían entre grupos. Los datos se recabaron de la Encuesta Demográfica sobre Salud de 2011 en Bogotá. Los modelos de regresión logística se estimaron para identificar los determinantes de una excelente/buena salud autoevaluada entre personas con 60 años o mayores, viviendo en Bogotá. Asimismo, se realizó un análisis subgrupo, con el fin de identificar si los determinantes cambiaron entre grupos (hombres, mujeres, personas con discapacidad, con enfermedades crónicas, y personas viviendo con discapacidad y enfermedades crónicas. La probabilidad de informar de una excelente/buena salud autoevaluada decrece cuando la persona sufre una discapacidad, una enfermedad crónica o informa que sus ingresos no son suficientes para cubrir las necesidades básicas. En cambio, las probabilidades de informar sobre una excelente/buena salud autoevaluada se incrementan cuando la persona tiene más formación educacional e informa recibir apoyo familiar. El subgrupo de análisis revela que pese a que algunos determinantes están sólo asociados a un grupo (edad con enfermedades crónicas), en general, fueron importantes tres determinantes: años de educación, variables status socieconómico y recibir apoyo familiar. Los determinantes de salud autoevaluada para las personas mayores en Bogotá varían, dependiendo de la discapacidad y estatus de las enfermedades crónicas. Por tanto, las políticas públicas con el fin de mejorar los niveles de salud y calidad deben considerar los efectos de aquellas características sobre las percepciones individuales de su propia salud.

Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivos identificar os principais determinantes da autopercepção da saúde entre indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais em Bogotá, Colômbia, e averiguar se esses determinantes variam entre grupos. A fonte de dados foi a Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde de 2011, para a cidade de Bogotá. Foram estimados modelos de regressão logística para identificar os determinantes da autopercepção da saúde excelente/boa entre pessoas com 60 anos de idade ou mais, residindo em Bogotá. Além disso, foi realizada uma análise de subgrupos com o objetivo de identificar se os determinantes mudaram entre os grupos (homens, mulheres, pessoas com deficiência, com doenças crônicas e pessoas vivendo simultaneamente com deficiência e com doenças crônicas). A probabilidade de relatar autopercepção da saúde excelente/boa diminui quando a pessoa é portadora de deficiência ou doença crônica ou quando a renda domiciliar é insuficiente para atender as necessidades básicas. Enquanto isso, as chances de relatar autopercepção da saúde excelente/boa aumentam quando a pessoa tem maior escolaridade e recebe apoio da família. A análise de subgrupos revelou que, embora alguns determinantes só estejam associados a um grupo (idade e doenças crônicas), de maneira geral, três principais determinantes foram importantes: anos de ensino, condição socioeconômica e apoio familiar. Os determinantes da autopercepção da saúde em idosos residentes em Bogotá variam de acordo com a presença ou ausência de deficiência e doenças crônicas. Portanto, as políticas públicas que procuram melhorar os níveis de saúde e qualidade de vida devem considerar os efeitos dessas características sobre a percepção dos indivíduos em relação à própria saúde.

Income inequality and high blood pressure in Colombia: a multilevel analysis.

The objective of this research was to examine the association between income inequality and high blood pressure in Colombia. Using a nationally representative Colombian sample of adults, and data from departments and municipalities, we fit sex-stratified linear and logistic multilevel models with blood pressure as a continuous and binary variable, respectively. In adjusted models, women living in departments with the highest quintile of income inequality in 1997 had higher systolic blood pressure than their counterparts living in the lowest quintile of income inequality (mean difference 4.42mmHg; 95%CI: 1.46, 7.39). Women living in departments that were at the fourth and fifth quintile of income inequality in 1994 were more likely to have hypertension than those living in departments at the first quintile in the same year (OR: 1.56 and 1.48, respectively). For men, no associations of income inequality with either systolic blood pressure or hypertension were observed. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that income inequality is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure for women. Future studies to analyze pathways linking income inequality to high blood pressure in Colombia are needed.

Income inequality and high blood pressure in Colombia: a multilevel analysis / Desigualdad de renta e hipertensión arterial en Colombia: un análisis multinivel / Desigualdade de renda e hipertensão arterial na Colômbia: uma análise multinível

The objective of this research was to examine the association between income inequality and high blood pressure in Colombia. Using a nationally representative Colombian sample of adults, and data from departments and municipalities, we fit sex-stratified linear and logistic multilevel models with blood pressure as a continuous and binary variable, respectively. In adjusted models, women living in departments with the highest quintile of income inequality in 1997 had higher systolic blood pressure than their counterparts living in the lowest quintile of income inequality (mean difference 4.42mmHg; 95%CI: 1.46, 7.39). Women living in departments that were at the fourth and fifth quintile of income inequality in 1994 were more likely to have hypertension than those living in departments at the first quintile in the same year (OR: 1.56 and 1.48, respectively). For men, no associations of income inequality with either systolic blood pressure or hypertension were observed. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that income inequality is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure for women. Future studies to analyze pathways linking income inequality to high blood pressure in Colombia are needed.

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la asociación entre desigualdad de renta e hipertensión arterial en Colombia. Usando una muestra nacional representativa de adultos colombianos, y datos de los departamentos (estados) y municipios, probamos modelos lineales y logísticos multinivel, estratificados para el género, con la presión arterial como variable continua y binaria, respectivamente. En los modelos ajustados, las mujeres que residían en departamentos del país con el quintil más alto de desigualdad de renta en 1997 presentaban presión arterial sistólica más elevada que las mujeres que residían en el quintil más bajo de desigualdad de renta (diferencia media de 4,42mmHg; IC95%: 1,46, 7,39). Las mujeres que residían en departamentos en el cuarto y quinto quintiles de desigualdad de renta en 1994 tenían una mayor probabilidad de presentar hipertensión arterial que aquellas en departamentos en el primer quintil durante el mismo año (OR: 1,56 y 1,48, respectivamente). En los hombres, no se observaron asociaciones entre desigualdad de renta y presión sistólica o hipertensión arterial. Nuestros hallazgos corroboran la hipótesis de la asociación entre desigualdad de renta y aumento de riesgo de hipertensión arterial en mujeres. Se necesitan más estudios para analizar los vínculos entre la desigualdad de renta y la hipertensión arterial en Colombia.

Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar a associação entre desigualdade de renda e hipertensão arterial na Colômbia. Usando uma amostra nacional representativa de adultos colombianos e dados dos departamentos (estados) e municípios, testamos modelos lineares e logísticos multinível, estratificados para gênero, com a pressão arterial como variável contínua e binária, respectivamente. Nos modelos ajustados, as mulheres que residiam em departamentos do país com o quintil mais alto de desigualdade de renda em 1997 apresentavam pressão arterial sistólica mais elevada do que as mulheres que residiam no quintil mais baixo de desigualdade de renda (diferença média de 4,42mmHg; IC95%: 1,46, 7,39). As mulheres que residiam em departamentos no quarto e quinto quintis de desigualdade de renda em 1994 tinham maior probabilidade de apresentar hipertensão arterial do que aquelas em departamentos no primeiro quintil no mesmo ano (OR: 1,56 e 1,48, respectivamente). Nos homens, não foram observadas associações entre desigualdade de renda e pressão sistólica ou hipertensão arterial. Nossos achados corroboram a hipótese da associação entre desigualdade de renda e aumento de risco de hipertensão arterial em mulheres. São necessários mais estudos para analisar os elos entre a desigualdade de renda e a hipertensão arterial na Colômbia.

Social patterning of cardiovascular and metabolic risk in Colombian adults.

OBJECTIVES: To test for differences in cardiovascular and metabolic risk (CMR) by educational attainment and physical capital. To compare CMR among black, indigenous, and mixed populations, accounting for socioeconomic status (SES). DESIGN: We conducted multivariate analyses using cross-sectional data from a national survey of Colombian adults (n = 10,814) to examine the social patterning of CMR. In sex/gender-stratified models, a CMR index was regressed on educational attainment, physical capital, ethnicity/race, and age. RESULTS: Women with a primary education (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.15) had higher age- and ethnicity/race-adjusted odds of CMR than women with more than secondary education. Men with a primary education (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.92) had significantly lower adjusted odds of CMR than men with more than secondary education; these associations did not remain significant after adjustments for physical capital. Men in the first (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.57) and second (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.91) physical capital tertiles had significantly lower adjusted odds of CMR than those in the highest tertile. There was not a significant patterning of CMR by ethnicity/race for women or men, or by physical capital for women. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that for Colombian adults CMR is patterned by SES; these associations differ by sex/gender.