Assessment of cardiometabolic and general health risks among racial and ethnic minority groups in Texas

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), which affect both cardiovascular and metabolic health, remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Texas, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death, and the prevalence of diabetes is significantly higher than the national average. This study investigates CMDs and general health risks both within and across racial/ethnic groups in Texas using survey-weighted linear and logistic regression models. We collected 76,456 individual-level observations of cardiometabolic measures and general health outcomes from the Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2011 to 2021. To assess disparities in these health risks, we used stratified models with racial/ethnic groups as the primary grouping variable. Compared to White individuals, Black individuals had significantly higher BMI (<i>β</i> = 5.06, CI: 3.75-6.84), and greater odds of developing CVDs (OR: 1.44, CI: 1.15-1.80), diabetes (OR: 1.75, CI: 1.48-2.08), heart disease (OR: 1.35, CI: 1.08-1.69), and reporting poorer general health (OR: 1.33, CI: 1.16-1.53). Hispanic individuals also had higher BMI (<i>β</i> = 2.67, CI: 1.92-3.71), greater odds of diabetes (OR: 1.63, CI: 1.44-1.86), and poorer general health (OR: 1.38, CI: 1.23-1.54) compared to White individuals. Although older age, male, lower education and income, and smoking are risk factors for most CMDs and general health outcomes, disparities in these risks exist across racial/ethnic groups. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to address health disparities and the elevated risks faced by Black and Hispanic communities.