Family Structure, Psychosocial Factors, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the NHLBI CARDIA Study
Abstract
Introduction This study examined relationships among biological and psychological cardiovascular risk factors and marital and family status among young and middle-aged adults. It was hypothesized that risk factors would differ as a function of marital and parental status. Methods 5112 (male = 2327, female = 2785) participants (mean age = 35 years at baseline) in the NHLBI CARDIA study were assessed for age, race, sex, smoking status, BMI, martial and parental status, BP, cholesterol, and depression at 3 time points over 15 years. Linear mixed models and hierarchical regressions were used in analyses.Independent variables were marital status, parental status, and time since divorce. Dependent variables were BP, cholesterol, and depression scores. Results Married and cohabitating men had lower SBP and depression scores than other marital status categories. Married or cohabiting women had increased LDL, and lower HDL and SBP. Cohabiting after divorce but not after widowhood, and having children were related to decreased BP and depression for men, and increased DBP and cholesterol for women. Few interactions between parental and marital status were found. Time since divorce was not related to cardiovascular risk factors for men or women. Conclusions Family structure is related to heart health risk, however relationships vary by sex and risk factor. Consideration of family structure variables may help identify individuals at risk and suggest interventions for risk reduction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 21, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1013056
Entities
People
- Andrea Weiss
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences