Disparity in Korean adults' risk of cardiovascular diseases according to socioeconomic status and sex

Socioeconomic status (SES), defined as occupation, education, and income, has received a great deal of attention since it is regarded as one of the main risk factors affecting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) that eventually leads to CVD. This study investigates the relationships between SES and the clustering of MS components according to sex for Koreans. Cross sectional data of the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed using the %2-test and multiple logistic regression models. The clustering of the MS components was more common in females, in those aged 60 years and older and in those with lower SES. Only the lower education group in females was significantly associated with increased clustering of the five MS components. Implementing policy is necessary in order to reduce the risk of CVD in less educated and aged 60 years and older Korean females.