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American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 129, No. 5: 956-972
Copyright © 1989 by The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health

research-article

MARITAL CORRELATES OF BLOOD PRESSURE

MARJORIE A. SPEERS1 2,, STANISLAV V. KASL1 and ADRIAN M. OSTFELD1

1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine New Haven, CT

Send reprint requests to Dr. Speers at this address

In 1982, 1,260 white spouse pairs, aged 18 years and over, were interviewed as part of the Connecticut Blood Pressure Survey. The present report is based on a systematic analysis of 1) the personal characteristics and behavior of the spouse, 2) the roles and responsibilities of the marital partners, and 3) similarity between spouses on selected variables. Results indicated that a number of these marital variables were associated with either systolic or diastolic blood pressure in husbands and in wives. Some components of the marital situation were associated with lower blood pressure whereas others were associated with higher blood pressure. Effects of marriage on blood pressure were observed both for husband's and wife's blood pressures, although the effects varied by sex. Similarity in spouses' behaviors and characteristics were more frequently associated with blood pressure than the individual effects of these behaviors. Age difference, measured as husband older than wife, was associated with lower blood pressure in husbands but with higher blood pressure in wives. Spouse's educational level and occupational status were not significantly related to blood pressure. Responsibility for common household chores (e.g., cooking) was associated with higher blood pressure in wives but responsibility for the family's health care was associated with lower blood pressure in both spouses.

behavior; blood pressure; family; marriage

2 Current Address: Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30333.


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