Dyslipidemia and education among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites

Considering the magnitude of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the disparities in health care, it is of paramount importance to understand CVD risk factors and to embark on preventive measures to improve the health status and the social condition of the various communities in our society. One of the major independent risk factors for CVD is high cholesterol, or dyslipidemia. Despite the availability of effective treatment for dyslipidemia, 75% of patients go undiagnosed or diagnosed but untreated. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of dyslipidemia and years of education, and the extent to which the interaction between education and race affects dyslipidemia, among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. Secondary analysis of a nationally representative data of 1,117 Mexican Americans and 1,835 non-Hispanic Whites from NHANES 1999--2000 was conducted. The results reveal that Mexican Americans have less dyslipidemia, less education and they are less likely to be aware and take medication for this condition. Statistical significance association between dyslipidemia and education was found among women in both groups. Over 50% of the participants did not have their cholesterol checked prior to responding to the survey. Findings from this study enhance our understanding of the needs of diverse communities and of the importance of education, detection and screening, and health education. Lack of education may be just a symptom for much deeper social condition beyond awareness and treatment of dyslipidemia. These findings constitute an impetus for researchers to further explore prevention measures, and for policy makers to address health disparities.