Are there any differences in education levels and changes of cardiovascular risk factors among urban and rural population: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to find the influence of education level on the trends of changes of these risk factors among a great sample of Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study is a secondary analysis of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP). Blood samples were taken to determine the lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides. Education categorized based on training system in Iran as 1-5, 6-12, and more than 12 years training. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes was higher among illiterate participants in both areas. Hypertension was more prevalent in illiterate subjects (2001; 44.0% and 2007; 46.3%) in intervention area (P < 0.001). Dyslipidemia was more prevalent among illiterate people (P < 0.001). In the intervention, illiterates have higher BMI in both 2001 and 2007 (P < 0.001). The prevalence of current smoking was the highest in education level range 6 to 12 years and was steadily decreased in higher education levels (P < 0.001). Subjects with 6-12 years of education have more unhealthy nutritional habits in both areas. In 2001, subjects with 12 years of education or more had more physical activity than other groups (P < 0.001), whereas, in 2007, subjects with 6-12 years of education were more active (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension obesity, and dyslipidemia are more in illiterate subjects and prevalence of diabetes and hyperlipidemia was sharply decreased with education level, it seems that well educated participants have higher daily physically activity compared with those who have lower education without considering the place or residency.