Racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence and management of cardiovascular risk factors in the United States workforce.

Abstract

To assess racial or ethnic differences in workers with respect to awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, and to identify factors associated with these disparities. Analysis of nationally representative data collected from employed persons participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2002, with sub-analyses by race and ethnicity. Mexican-American workers are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to be aware of their hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39-0.94) and less likely to be treated (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.23-0.85); less likely to be aware (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.33-0.93) and treated (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.14-0.78) for dyslipidemia; and more likely to be aware of diabetes (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.14-7.95). Non-Hispanic blacks treated for hypertension are less likely than whites to reach blood pressure goal (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.33-0.66). Having a usual place of care is independently associated with awareness and treatment for hypertension, and treatment for dyslipidemia. Understanding cardiovascular health disparities in the workforce can help employers structure appropriate workplace screening and prevention programs.