Gender Differences in the Role of Social Support for Hypertension Prevention in Canada: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Cohort

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.09.016
• Publication Date: 2021-09-24T09:47:45Z
• Authors: Zeinab Hosseini; Abdollah Safari; Nadia A. Khan; Gerry Veenstra; Annalijn I. Conklin
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Population Ageing

BackgroundThe relationship between social support and hypertension is poorly understood in women men. We investigated whether multiple measures of are linked to blood pressure levels differentially by gender.MethodsCross-sectional study 28,779 middle-age older-age adults (45-85 years) the baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging comprehensive cohort. Stratified multivariable regression models estimated role relative contribution 4 types men.ResultsThe highest perceived availability informational, tangible, emotional, belonging were significantly associated with lowest mean level systolic (SBP) but not diastolic pressure, independent known confounders other types. However, associations small, their directions more consistent women. The informational support, highest, higher odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.06, 1.36]), so than men (OR 1.16 CI: 1.03, 1.32]). emotional similarly 1.08 1.00, 1.17] OR 1.15] men), highest. Larger differences SBP women, compared men, seen for (2.43 1.18 mm Hg, respectively) (1.60 0.74 respectively). Findings unaltered sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsInformational inversely SBP, Further longitudinal investigation warranted, as results suggest that specific supports may help prevent lower cardiovascular risk, especially