Lonely hearts don't get checked: On the role of social support in screening for cardiovascular risk

- Perceived social support was uniquely related to screening for cardiovascular risk.
- Similar results for blood pressure and cholesterol screening
- Individuals with sufficient social support were twice more likely to get screened.
- Various demographic and health-related factors were related to screening adherence.
- Study in probabilistic national samples in Spain

ObjectiveRegular cardiovascular risk screening can prevent cardiovascular disease through timely implementation of lifestyle changes or medication. However, few studies have investigated what factors promote regular screening for risk factors like hypertension and high blood cholesterol. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between social support and adherence to cardiovascular risk screening.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Spanish National Health Survey-a cross-sectional representative survey conducted by the Spanish Ministry of Health in 2012 (N = 21,007). Participants reported whether they had their blood pressure and cholesterol levels measured by a health professional in the previous 12 months. Social support (i.e., the perception that emotional and practical support was available when needed) was measured with a validated scale. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted adjusted for demographic and health-related factors.ResultsCompared to individuals who reported a lack of social support, individuals who perceived sufficient social support were on average twice more likely to report participation in blood pressure screening, OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.60, 2.66] and cholesterol screening, OR = 2.85, 95% CI [1.99, 4.09]. These effects were uniform across different demographics and were replicated in a previous wave of the survey. Factors associated with worse screening adherence were low social class, being single or widowed, smoking, alcohol consumption, and no history of cardiovascular risk.DiscussionPerceptions of social support are positively related to cardiovascular risk screening adherence. Future research should investigate what type of social support most effectively increases screening participation among high risk populations.