Dressler, William W. Grell, Gerald A.C. Gallagher Jr., Philip N. Viteri, Fernando E.
Social factors mediating social class differences in blood pressure in a Jamaican community - 1992 - 12 p. tbls., graph
Research on the factors mediating social class differences in blood pressure was carried out in a Jamaican community. It was found in a previous report that higher social class is related to lower blood pressure for females, while for males higher social class is related to higher blood pressure. These differences are examined in greater detail here, especially in terms of the historical context of the specific community studied, which is on the fringe of the Kingston urban area, and in terms of the continuing importance of a social class system established under colonial rule. In the current study it is shown that social class differences in blood pressure for males are mediated by perceptions of social support. Social class differences in blood pressure for females are mediated by perceptions of economic stress. It is suggested that specific patterns of growth of the city, and historically-based social class system, have resulted in the juxtaposition of lower and middle class Jamaicans within this community, who in turn are influenced by different factors affecting blood pressure.
General
HEALTH
SOCIAL CLASSES
SOCIAL CONDITIONS
JAMAICA
CARIBBEAN
01080-XI
Social factors mediating social class differences in blood pressure in a Jamaican community - 1992 - 12 p. tbls., graph
Research on the factors mediating social class differences in blood pressure was carried out in a Jamaican community. It was found in a previous report that higher social class is related to lower blood pressure for females, while for males higher social class is related to higher blood pressure. These differences are examined in greater detail here, especially in terms of the historical context of the specific community studied, which is on the fringe of the Kingston urban area, and in terms of the continuing importance of a social class system established under colonial rule. In the current study it is shown that social class differences in blood pressure for males are mediated by perceptions of social support. Social class differences in blood pressure for females are mediated by perceptions of economic stress. It is suggested that specific patterns of growth of the city, and historically-based social class system, have resulted in the juxtaposition of lower and middle class Jamaicans within this community, who in turn are influenced by different factors affecting blood pressure.
General
HEALTH
SOCIAL CLASSES
SOCIAL CONDITIONS
JAMAICA
CARIBBEAN
01080-XI