Relative contribution of health related behaviours and chronic diseases to the socioeconomic patterning of low grade inflammation
ObjectivesTo test the association of low grade inflammation with socioeconomic status (SES) and determine the relative contribution of prevalent chronic diseases and health related behaviours in explaining such association.MethodsCross sectional analysis on 19,867 subjects (age =35, 48.1% men) recruited within the Moli sani study from 2005 to 2010 (Italy) A score of low grade inflammation, including platelet and leukocyte counts, the granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio, and C reactive protein was applied. SES was measured by education, household income, and occupational social class.ResultsLow SES was associated with elevated levels of low grade inflammation. Health behaviours (including adiposity, smoking, physical activity, and Mediterranean diet adherence) explained 53.5, 53.9, and 84.9% of the association between social class, income, and education with low grade inflammation, respectively. Adiposity and body mass index showed a prominent role, while prevalent chronic diseases and conditions only marginally attenuated SES inequalities in inflammation.ConclusionsLow grade inflammation was socioeconomically patterned in a large Mediterranean population. Potentially modifiable behavioural factors explained the greatest part of this association with a leading contribution of adiposity, body mass index, and physical activity.
International Journal of Public Health