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Socioeconomic status and stroke severity: Understanding indirect effects via risk factors and stroke prevention using innovative statistical methods for mediation analysis

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  • Anita Lindmark
  • Marie Eriksson
  • David Darehed

Abstract

Background: Those with low socioeconomic status have an increased risk of stroke, more severe strokes, reduced access to treatment, and more adverse outcomes after stroke. The question is why these differences are present. In this study we investigate to which extent the association between low socioeconomic status and stroke severity can be explained by differences in risk factors and stroke prevention drugs. Methods: The study included 86 316 patients registered with an ischemic stroke in the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) 2012–2016. Data on socioeconomic status was retrieved from the Longitudinal integrated database for health insurance and labour market studies (LISA) by individual linkage. We used education level as proxy for socioeconomic status, with primary school education classified as low education. Stroke severity was measured using the Reaction Level Scale, with values above 1 classified as severe strokes. To investigate the pathways via risk factors and stroke prevention drugs we performed a mediation analysis estimating indirect and direct effects. Results: Low education was associated with an excess risk of a severe stroke compared to mid/high education (absolute risk difference 1.4%, 95% CI: 1.0%-1.8%), adjusting for confounders. Of this association 28.5% was an indirect effect via risk factors (absolute risk difference 0.4%, 95% CI: 0.3%-0.5%), while the indirect effect via stroke prevention drugs was negligible. Conclusion: Almost one third of the association between low education and severe stroke was explained by risk factors, and clinical effort should be taken to reduce these risk factors to decrease stroke severity among those with low socioeconomic status.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Lindmark & Marie Eriksson & David Darehed, 2022. "Socioeconomic status and stroke severity: Understanding indirect effects via risk factors and stroke prevention using innovative statistical methods for mediation analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(6), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0270533
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270533
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    1. Winkleby, M.A. & Jatulis, D.E. & Frank, E. & Fortmann, S.P., 1992. "Socioeconomic status and health: How education, income, and occupation contribute to risk factors for cardiovascular disease," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 82(6), pages 816-820.
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    1. Mary Kate Schilke & Philip Baiden & Esme Fuller-Thomson, 2025. "Parental divorce’s long shadow: Elevated stroke risk among older Americans," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(1), pages 1-19, January.

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