SOCIOECONOMIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE MENOPAUSAL WOMEN: EHUH 2 STUDY

Objective: Understanding the socioeconomic factors associated with arterial hypertension (AH) is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies. This study aims to explore the differences in the prevalence of AH among menopausal women in the Croatian general population, focusing on its association with various sociodemographic variables. Design and method: This cross-sectional study was part of the EH–UH 2 surveys. Out of a total of 2021 participants included by random selection from the general adult population, this study involved 622 menopausal women with AH (N=404) and NT (N=218). Participants completed a survey on educational level, professional qualifications, marital status, number of children, income, and place of residence. Results: AH women were older (65.9 vs. 62.2 years; p>0.05) with no differences in average age of menopause onset (51 years). The prevalence of AH women was higher in urban compared to rural areas (73.9% vs.63.3%; p=0.006). We failed to find differences in AH prevalence between continental and Mediterranean parts of Croatia (66.4% vs. 62.2%; p>0.05). Level of education was associated with the prevalence of AH. Women with only 8 years of education had a significantly higher prevalence of AH than those with more than 8 years of education (78.3% vs. 63%; p=0.0001). The prevalence of AH decreases from unskilled to highly educated workforce (78.6% vs. 65.9% vs. 61.5% vs. 55.9%; p=0.0005). Divorced women had a lower prevalence than single, married, and widows (53.8% vs. 65.6% vs. 66.6% vs. 73.8%; p>0.05). Childless women had a lower prevalence of AH than mothers (57.4% vs. 68.8%; p>0.05). AH prevalence was slightly higher in lower compared to higher income category (71.1% vs. 69.0%; p>0.05). Conclusions: Divorced, childless, and those residing in rural areas demonstrated lower prevalence rates of AH. Prevalence of AH in women was significantly associated with lower levels of education. These findings highlight the urgent need to address health disparities related to differences in sociodemographic status.