The contribution of risk factors to stroke differentials, by socioeconomicposition in adulthood: The Renfrew/Paisley study

Objectives. This study investigated stroke differentials by socioeconomic p osition in adulthood. Methods. The relation of risk of stroke to deprivation category and social class was assessed among 6955 men and 7992 women who were aged 45 to 64 yea rs and had been screened in 1972 to 1976. Results. A total of 594 men and 677 women had a hospital admission for stro ke or died from stroke. There were large differences in stroke by deprivati on category or social class. Adjustment for risk factors (smoking, blood pr essure, height. respiratory function, body mass index, cholesterol, diabete s, and preexisting heart disease) attenuated these differences. Conclusions. Risk factors for stroke can explain some of the socioeconomic differences in stroke risk. Women living in the most deprived areas seem pa rticularly at risk of stroke.