Socioeconomic status and dyslipidemia in Korean adults: The 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective. This study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and dyslipidemia and various parameters of dyslipidemia among Korean adults. Methods. Data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in this study. A total of 19,041 Korean adults greater than 19 years old participated in the study. The SES was assessed by monthly household income and education level. The relationship of SES to the risk of dyslipidemia was assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders. Results. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 37.4% among Korean adults. In men, household income level was positively associated with prevalence and risks of several parameters of dyslipidemia, and education level had positive associations with the risks of dyslipidemia and parameters of dyslipidemia. However, low SES was linked to increased prevalence and risks of dyslipidemia (P for trend < 0.05) and parameters of dyslipidemia in women. Conclusions. Socioeconomic disparities in dyslipidemia were found in the Korean population. Also, there were gender differences in the relationship between SES and dyslipidemia. These disparities should be considered when performing risk calculations and screening for dyslipidemia, which will ultimately help prevent cardiovascular disease. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.