Socioeconomic Factors Increase Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Physician’s Weekly
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Socioeconomic Factors Linked to Increased Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Published on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
A study published in Health Data Science has found that socioeconomic factors are associated with a higher risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Study Details
The study, conducted by Yanlin Qu and colleagues from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, aimed to investigate whether low socioeconomic status (SES) increases the risk for AMD and to explore the impact of a healthy lifestyle on this association. The analysis included data from 316,663 participants in the U.K. Biobank.
Findings
During an average follow-up period of 12.2 years, 6,355 cases of AMD were diagnosed. The researchers observed an increased risk for incident AMD among participants with medium SES (hazard ratio, 1.10) and low SES (hazard ratio, 1.22) compared to those with high SES. This association was significantly influenced by physical activity. Smoking also played a significant role in mediating the association between low SES and AMD (11.3 percent). On the other hand, alcohol consumption suppressed the association between high SES and AMD (9.59 percent). The study also found a significant joint effect of SES and healthy lifestyle score.
Implications and Recommendations
Lead author Huixun Jia from Shanghai General Hospital stated, “Our study identified a significant association between SES inequality and the incidence of AMD. Notably, the relationship was influenced by lifestyle behaviors. Our findings underscore the universal benefits of positive lifestyle adjustments. Encouraging physical activity and smoking cessation among individuals with low SES, and reducing alcohol consumption among high SES groups, could mitigate their susceptibility to AMD.”
Click here to read the full study.
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SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance. | Not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | Not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Not mentioned in the article. |
Source: physiciansweekly.com
