Available Data

Data available for this study were updated on 5/06/2022. The data package now includes baseline and visit 2 data from the main HCHS-SOL study as well as five ancillary studies: the INCA ancillary study, the Sociocultural ancillary study, the Sueno ancillary study, the SOLNAS ancillary study, and the Youth ancillary study.

Objectives

The Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS-SOL) sought to describe prevalence of major Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors and CVD among US Hispanic/Latino individuals of different backgrounds, examine relationships of SES and acculturation with CVD risk profiles and CVD, and assess cross-sectional associations of CVD risk factors with CVD.

Background

In the last decades, the US Hispanic and Latino population has increased dramatically, now comprising the nation’s largest minority group. Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of mortality among Hispanic/Latino individuals in the United States, and this relatively young ethnic group is at high risk of future CVD morbidity and mortality as it ages. Evidence also suggests that CVD risk factors and disease rates may vary considerably among Hispanic/Latino groups. Risk for CVDs among Hispanic/Latino individuals has been reported to differ by degree of acculturation and duration of residence in the United States.

HCHS-SOL expands the literature on Hispanic/Latino health by describing the prevalence of 5 major, readily measured biomedical CVD risk factors (high serum cholesterol and blood pressure levels, obesity, hyperglycemia/diabetes, cigarette smoking), adverse CVD risk profiles (combinations of CVD risk factors), and CVD (coronary heart disease [CHD] and stroke) among US Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse backgrounds.

Participants

Participants included individuals of Cuban (n =2201), Dominican (n = 1400), Mexican (n=6232), Puerto Rican (n=2590), Central American (n=1634), and South American backgrounds (n = 1022) aged 18 to 74 years. Analyses involved 15,079 participants with complete data enrolled between March 2008 and June 2011.

Design

HCHS-SOL examined self-identified Hispanic/Latino persons aged 18 to 74 years recruited from randomly selected households in 4 US communities (Bronx, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; San Diego, California). Households were selected using a stratified 2-stage area probability sample design. Census block groups were randomly selected in the defined community areas of each field center, and households were randomly selected in each sampled block group. Households were screened for eligibility, and Hispanic/Latino persons aged 18 to 74 years were selected in each household agreeing to participate.

Baseline exam components included a physical exam, blood samples, dental exam, hearing test, pulmonary function, physical activity assessment, and questionnaire data. Information obtained by questionnaires included demographic factors, SES (education and income), acculturation (including years of residence in the United States, generational status, and language preference), cigarette smoking, medications, sleep, respiratory/asthma, and medical history. Dietary intake was ascertained by two 24-hour dietary recalls administered 6 weeks apart.

Ann Epidemiol. 2010 Aug;20(8):629-41.

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