ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A347 SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AS RISK FACTOR FOR STROKE AMONG WOMEN AND MEN IN THE UK BIOBANK

Abstract Background and aims The association of socioeconomic status (SES) with stroke and its subtypes are understudied in women and men. The aim of this study was to quantify sex differences in the associations between different SES indicators with stroke, and determine if the association of common risk factors with stroke differs by SES. Methods Our study used data from the UK Biobank cohort (n = 494,008, 54.6% women). The primary SES indicator was the area-based Townsend Deprivation Index (in fifths), and secondary measures were household income and education attainment. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for SES indicators with stroke (all stroke, ischemic, intracerebral and subarachnoid). Sex differences were estimated using women-to-men ratio of HRs (RHRs). The most-to-least deprived RHRs for seven risk factors and stroke risk were estimated above and below the median Townsend Index. Results Individuals in the most deprived Townsend fifth had a 31% higher risk of all stroke than those in the least deprived fifth (HR 1.31, 95% confidence interval [1.23-1.40]), with a higher risk of all stroke for women compared to men (RHR 1.14 [1.01-1.30]). Of the risk factors, irrespective of sex, current vs never smoking conferred a higher risk of stroke for those most deprived than least deprived (RHR 1.13 [1.01–1.27]). Conclusions Individuals that live in more deprived areas experience a higher risk of stroke than those in less deprived areas. Smoking cessation in those most socially deprived should be considered as a top priority to reduce the risk of stroke. Conflict of interest Nothing to disclose