Abstract 17321: Cardiometabolic Risk Increased in All Socioeconomic Status During the Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis: The EVESCAM Cohort Study

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly impact cardiovascular disease (CVD). Poverty is the most important underlying cause of preventable death, disease, and disability, and interacts with other SDOH. Venezuela was declared as suffering a humanitarian crisis, and besides the increase in poverty, other SDOHs such as traumatic stressors, violence, food insecurity, and treatment interruptions increased. This study aimed to estimate the changes in cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) in different socioeconomic statuses (SES) during the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

Methods: Data from the EVESCAM Study was analyzed. The nationally-representative baseline assessment was conducted in 2014-2017 (N=3414) using a multi-stage stratified sampling and further follow-up on a subset of 35% of participants was undertaken in 2018-2020 (N=1257). Changes in CMRF and their prevalence among three SES (Low-SES N=657[52.3%], Middle-SES N=384[30.5%], and High-SES N=216[17.2%]) were compared.

Results: There was a decrease in the prevalence of obesity (p=0.001), but an increase in the prevalence of dyslipidemia (total cholesterol ≥200mg/dL, and Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol ≥130mg/dL, P=0.001), low Mediterranean diet adherence (p=0.001), and depression (p=0.001) in all SES. Diabetes prevalence decreased only in middle-SES (p=0.01) and low-SES (p=0.03). Anxiety and hypertension did not change significantly. The prevalence of participants with high CVD risk (Globorisk score >20%) increased in all SES (P=0.001).

Conclusion: There was an increase in multiple CMRF in all SES during the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis. This scenario could determine a particular pattern of morbidity determined by the interaction of several factors, including a shortage of basic goods, severe hyperinflation, and a breakdown of the healthcare infrastructure. Efforts are needed to improve the health and CVD risk of populations facing humanitarian crises.