Gender-specific social factors may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Differences in social factors that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for men and women have been identified by Monash University-led research using a field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Healthresearchers used machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify the most important predictors of cardiovascular disease based on a set of 25 social factors.

The study found that being married/partnered, or having social support from others, was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease for men and women.

For men, activities such as playing chess or cards, having 3 to 8 family members with whom they are close and can rely on for help, or having 3 to 8 family members with whom they feel comfortable discussing private matters to be discussed, associated with 18, 24 and 24 years respectively. 30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

For women, living with others (e.g., family, friends, relatives) and having at least three friends with whom they can comfortably discuss private matters were associated with a 26 and 29% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, respectively.

The data came from 9,936 initially healthy, community-dwelling Australians aged 70 years and over, who were followed for an average of six years after enrolling in the ASPREE project. It used both machine learning, a type of AI, and conventional models.

First author Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale, a Ph.D. candidate from the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said support from friends and family members had benefits in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women.

“Specifically, our study showed that close friendships among women, especially those who had developed comfort in sharing personal matters, were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Mr Teshale. “While for men, having close family members with whom one can easily seek help or discuss personal concerns was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

“Additionally, men in this study may have been more involved in socialization through competitive activities such as playing games, while women may have preferred to socialize by surrounding themselves with others, regardless of what the activities are. These would in turn can have a positive effect on cardiovascular health.

“Regardless of your age, the evidence for the benefits of close friends and relatives on cardiovascular health is clear. This phenomenon can be attributed to the positive impact of sharing feelings with family members, friends or neighbors in promoting a sense of well-being and connectedness.”

Research has already proven this that poor social health due to social isolation, loneliness, low social support and social integration is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the role of a wide range of social health indicators has not been investigated in relation to cardiovascular disease risk.

Senior author Dr. Rosanne Freak-Poli, from Monash University School of Clinical Sciences and School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said it was the first to consider a comprehensive range of social factors for men and women, including 25 socialization variables across five domains .

These included support from family members and friends, living arrangements, volunteering or informally helping others, social interaction or involvement, and work/retirement. Dr. Freak-Poli said the results underscored the need for social channels and government programs that connected people of all ages.

“Discussing emotions and receiving support from family and friends offers significant benefits for physical health, as well as mental health and well-being,” she said. “We encourage older adults to maintain connections with their loved ones, and to participate in new activities or new groups to find your next best friend.

“Research has shown that our friendship groups change every seven years. So making new friends is an important part of life, regardless of your age. Our findings have the potential to complement or strengthen government-supported strategies designed to increase social support. for older people.

“For example, the Australian Government’s Seniors Connected program also aims to address poor social relationships through initiatives such as the FriendLine (a toll-free national telephone support service) and Village Hubs (which offer a variety of member-led social activities such as walking groups and social events).

“It may take some time to find the right group for you. We advocate social prescribing, which allows health professionals to prescribe social and other activities as part of people’s health. It gives people the opportunity to connect with services who are already present in their community to improve well-being and quality of life. This way, people get help finding a group that suits them.”