Association of socioeconomic classes with diet, stress and hypertension

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between diet and socioeconomic conditions and find out the prevalence of stress and Hypertension in different socioeconomic classes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2010 to October 2011, 176 people from four different socio economic Strata (low class, low middle class, upper middle class, and high class) were selected, which were defined on the basis of monthly income. Complete dietary intake was assessed with the last 3 days dietary record, dietary patterns and restrictions. Background information and Stress level were evaluated by a preformed questionnaire and blood pressure was taken with the aneroid manometer. Result: A total of 176 people were interviewed for diet, blood pressure and stress was measured. The High socioeconomic Stratum was found to have the highest number of people having hypertension 15 (27.8%), taking medications 21 (38.9%), 18 (33.3%) multi vitamin supplements, and with an overall lower calorie intake 1617.31±698.99 as compared to other strata. It also had the highest number of people who thought they were active 44 (81.5%). The High middle Socioeconomic Stratum was similar with the High class, in having the most hypertensive people 10 (27.8%) and they had least chance of developing stress related health illnesses 6 (16.7%). Individuals living below poverty line had the highest prevalence ratio of stress 16 (36.4%) and they were considered as least physically active 30 (68.2%). Conclusion: Highest frequency of Hypertension was in high class and high middle income group. The low class had the highest ratio of stress. There was a difference in type of food, but not much in calorie intake.