Journal of biosocial science
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The objective of this study was to analyse the association between socioeconomic indicators and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adult residents of Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil. Data were obtained by direct interview and physical examination in a population-based cross-sectional study in the city of Rio de Janeiro, 1995-96. Subjects were selected by two-stage random sampling and information was collected on socioeconomic, anthropometric and demographic characteristics, as well as on existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. ⋯ For males, the socioeconomic and demographic indicators retained in the logistic model were age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01), level of schooling (1.77, 95% CI 1.39-2.26) and per capita income (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97). For females, the indicators retained were age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and level of schooling (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.84-2.77). The findings indicate that cardiovascular disease risk is already an alarming problem in the urban populations of developing countries, and that educational level is the most important socioeconomic factor associated with its presence.