Vascular Function and Social Determinants of Health in Young Adult Black Women

• Sofia Coba-Horvath, Health Behavior Science, University of Delaware

• Melissa Witman, Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, University of Delaware

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Black Americans. The total prevalence of CVD is 59% in Black women (BLW), compared to only 45% in White women (WHW), but BLW are one of the most understudied populations.  Social determinants of health (SDoH)-including access to quality education, housing, health care, and nutrition, as well as stressful experiences, financial stability, and community acceptance—have all been associated with the development of various chronic diseases, including CVD. In young adult BLW, it is unclear if there is an association between SDoH and peripheral vascular function, a known predictor and early indicator of future CVD risk. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore a potential relation between SDoH and peripheral vascular function in young adult BLW. METHODS: Assessments were performed on 43 BLW (18 to 30 years). SDoH (education, housing, health care, nutrition, stress, financial stability, and community acceptance) were each assessed using a 5-point likert-scale survey representative of the past 12 months and lifetime experiences, resulting in both a 12-month composite score and a life composite score. Possible scores ranged from 7-35, with higher scores indicating better SDOH.  Vascular function was assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), where arterial diameters were measured by Doppler ultrasound for the calculation of the relative dilation of the brachial artery in response to arterial occlusion (FMD%). RESULTS: Brachial artery FMD% was 7.9±2.7%, SDoH 12-month was 28±5, and SDoH life comprehensive was 29± 5. There were no associations between SDoH 12-month score and FMD%(p=0.6) or SDoH life score and FMD%(p=0.6). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that SDoH are not cross-sectionally associated with peripheral vascular function in this preliminary sample of young adult BLW. Future work should consider investigating these associations in middle-aged and older BLW or longitudinally across the lifespan.