The Effects of Social and Demographic Factors on Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

The chapter investigates the effects of social and demographic factors on cardiovascular disease (CVD) controlling health related factors. The data used in this study is the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, and are merged the three waves, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014. The logit regression analysis is used as a statistical model, and the results of this study confirm the significant associations with CVD in age, race/ethnicity, marital status, and educational attainment as expected ways. Health behaviors also show significant and strong relationships with CVD, which support the current prevention and intervention programs' strategy that focuses on changing lifestyles on an individual and a community level. The results of the social and demographic factors on CVD confirm that having CVD is not only a medical or biological process but also a social outcome. Thus, a better understanding of the social and demographic factors on CVD helps us to not only reduce the mortality rate, but also develop more effective policies and programs.