Educational inequalities in blood pressure and cholesterol screening in nine European countries

Abstract

To perform the first European overview of educational inequalities in use of blood pressure and cholesterol screening. Data was obtained on use of screening services according to educational level from nationally representative, cross-sectional surveys in Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia and Lithuania.

Screening rates were examined in the preceding 12 months and 5 years, for respondents 35+ years (45+ years for women). Educational level was classified into low versus high education.

Odds Ratios (OR) comparing low to high educated respondents were estimated using logistic regression controlling for age.

Keywords

• educational inequalities
• blood pressure
• cholesterol screening
• cross-sectional surveys
• logistic regression