“There is a relationship between self-employment and heart disease risk factors and this relationship seems to be stronger in women relative to men” – Dr. Kimberly Narain.
Self-employment may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, particularly among women, a new study suggests.
The study, published May 30 in BMC Public Health, analyzed 1999–2018 data from 19,395 working adults aged 30 to 62. Researchers examined links between job type and CVD risks across sex and racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Nonminority women showed lower rates of obesity, inactivity, and poor sleep if self-employed. Minority women had fewer issues with poor diet, inactivity, and sleep. For nonminority men, self-employment was tied to reduced poor diet and hypertension.
“There is a relationship between self-employment and heart disease risk factors and this relationship seems to be stronger in women relative to men,” said lead author Dr. Kimberly Narain. “It is imperative to… ensure that everyone has access to a healthy work environment.”