Neighborhood deprivation and hospitalization for venous thromboembolism in Sweden

Arterial cardiovascular disease and neighborhood deprivation are associated. However, no study has determined whether neighborhood deprivation is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to determine whether there is an association between neighborhood deprivation and hospitalization for VTE, and whether effects vary across sociodemographic groups. The entire Swedish population aged 25-74 was followed from January 1, 2000 until hospitalization for VTE, death, emigration, or the end of the study period (December 31, 2008). Data were analyzed by multilevel logistic regression, with individual-level characteristics (age, marital status, family income, educational attainment, immigration status, urban/rural status, mobility, and comorbidity) at the first level and level of neighborhood deprivation at the second level. Neighborhood deprivation was significantly associated with VTE hospitalization rate in both men (OR = 1.09) and women (OR = 1.38). In the full model, which took account of individual-level socioeconomic characteristics and comorbidities, the odds of VTE remained significant only in women (OR = 1.12, 95 % CI 1.06-1.20) in the most deprived neighborhoods. Neighborhood characteristics affect odds of hospitalization for VTE, particularly in women. Thus, neighborhood deprivation is a common risk factor for both arterial cardiovascular disease and VTE. This study adds to knowledge of the negative effects of neighborhood deprivation on cardiovascular health.