Abstract
Background: To improve the cardiovascular health of those with socioeconomic disadvantages, the nature of their disparities must be explored to inform targeted interventions for this group. However, these efforts have been scarce in all areas of nursing research and practice in South Korea.
Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the nature of socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular health in South Korea.
Methods: Multiple electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane (2009-2019.06) were searched. A total of 42 articles published in English or Korean that examined socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular health in South Korea were selected, reviewed, and analyzed using a narrative synthesis.
Results: Socioeconomic disparities existed in cardiovascular health among Korean populations across the disease continuum from risk factors to mortality. The magnitudes, directions, and significance of the observed associations between socioeconomic status and cardiovascular health varied by socioeconomic status indicators, gender, and age groups. Five studies (12%) explained the mediation and moderation of multiple factors to the associations.
Conclusion: This body of knowledge will serve as a basis to inform strategies, interventions, or policies to reduce disparities in cardiovascular health.