Trends in racial and ethnic differences for the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among women Veterans

Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in US. US women Veterans (WV) are a growing and at high-risk population for CVD but understudied and under-represented in CVD research. This study investigated the potential ethnic and racial differences in the prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors among US WV during 2000-2019. Methods: The national Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health records were utilized to assess prevalence of diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HL), and smoking, among US WV who visited a VA facility from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2019. All diagnoses were based on International Classification of Disease (ICD) 9th and 10th version diagnostic codes. Results: Number of WV who visited a VA steadily increased from 80,707 in 2000 to 739,309 in 2019. Prevalence of all risk factors increased significantly (p<0.01) over the study period. Significant differences in the prevalence of each risk factor were also observed based on race and ethnicity. Conclusion: These data suggest alarming increase in the prevalence of CVD risk factors for US WV during 2000-2019 period, and significant racial and ethnic differences in these risk factors. Timely actionable interventions and research is required to improve cardiovascular health of US WV.

Read the full article
Report a problem with this article

Related articles

  • More for Researchers

    Qualitative analysis of the lived experience of reproductive and pediatric health care in the military health care system

    Abstract: Introduction: Persistent inequities exist in obstetric and neonatal outcomes in military families despite universal health care coverage. Though the exact underlying cause has not been identified, social determinants of health may uniquely impact military families. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the potential impact of social determinants of health and the lived experiences of military individuals seeking maternity care in the Military Health System. Materials and methods: This was an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. Nine providers conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with individuals who delivered within the last 5 years in the direct or purchased care market. Participants were recruited through social media blasts and clinic flyers with both maximum variation and homogenous sampling to ensure participation of diverse individuals. Data were coded and themes were identified using inductive qualitative research methods. Results: Three main themes were identified: Requirements of Military Life (with subthemes of pregnancy notification and privacy during care, role of pregnancy instructions and policies, and role of command support), Sociocultural Aspects of the Military Experience (with subthemes of pregnancy as a burden on colleagues and a career detractor, postpartum adjustment, balancing personal and professional requirements, pregnancy timing and parenting challenges, and importance of friendship and camaraderie in pregnancy), and Navigating the Healthcare Experience (including subthemes of transfer between military and civilian care and TRICARE challenges, perception of military care as inferior to civilian, and remote duty stations and international care). Conclusions: The unique stressors of military life act synergistically with the existing health care challenges, presenting opportunities for improvements in care. Such opportunities may include increased consistency of policies across services and commands. Increased access to group prenatal care and support groups, and increased assistance with navigating the health care system to improve care transitions were frequently requested changes by participants.

    Physical Health Peer reviewed