Association of socieoconomic factors, life style with cholesterol in general adult population

Objective: The relationship between socioeconomic factors, behavior and LDL cholesterol values is a complex process that includes various aspects of an individual's life and environment. The aim of the work is to determine the association of socioeconomic factors and health behavior with LDL cholesterol values. Design and method: Through cross-sectional research, we analyzed 1,800 subjects from the general adult population of Croatia (random sample of general adult population in Croatia included in the Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2 project). For the purposes of the research, a structured questionnaire was used, which consists of data on socioeconomic status and lifestyle. Cholesterol and LDL values were determined from fasting blood samples. Results: In the whole group 58.2% of respondents had increased total cholesterol values. However, only 24.96% declare that they had dyslipidemia, which indicates a low awareness of the existence of risks. Total cholesterol values were positively correlated with personal monthly income (r=0,41 p=0.041), professional education (p=0.021), type of work (p=0.011) and are also associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. We found a negative correlation with physical activity (r=-0,10 p<,05). Elevated LDL cholesterol showed association with socioeconomic factors such as personal monthly income, professional education, but there was no significant correlation with drinking black coffee, alcohol consumption, or physical activity. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was related to the occurrence of dyslipidemia and the correlation was statistically significant (r=-0,10, p <0.05). Conclusions: Poor awareness for hypercholesterolemia was observed in our general population. Socioeconomic factors and health behavior are interrelated in influencing total and LDL cholesterol levels. General population should be more educated to increase awareness about this important cardiovascular risk factor.