Risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases in Turkey: Evidence from National Health Survey

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), their causes and the precautions that can be taken have been studied by researchers from different fields and countries. Evidence from this wide literature suggest a close relationship between socio-economic factors and risk of CVDs. Objectives: The main aim of this study is to understand the main socio-economic determinants and risk factors associated with CVDs in Turkey. Methods: For such purpose, we perform a univariate logistic analysis using the 2016 Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute. Using this novel data set, we identify the risk factors of chronic heart disease with several demographic and socio-economic factors such as age, sex, education, income, alcohol and tobacco consumption, eating and exercise habits. Results: Our results indicate socio-economic status and demographic factors and individual characteristics are significant in terms of CVDs in Turkey. While socio-economic inequalities, baseline illnesses, and smoking are related with higher risk of CVDs, regular exercise, physical activity and moderate alcohol consumption are found to be related with lower risk of CVDs. Furthermore, gender plays an important and independent role on all socio-economic characteristics as well as any baseline illness. Conclusions: This study offers to fill the gap in the existing literature by offering a comprehensive analysis of socio-economic determinants and risk factors associated with CVDs in Turkey. Examining the risk factors for CVDs for all individuals and for men and women separately is informative to design policies in a more efficient way by addressing specific target groups.