Mubashir Abbas, BMSc '25
Mubashir Abbas
Occupational Categories and Cardiovascular Disease-Based Mortality Outcomes in Working-Age Canadians
-Project supervised by Dr. Saverio Stranges and Dr. Piotr Wilk, and completed in 2025
Abstract
Objective: To examine how occupational categories are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD)–related mortality among employed Canadians aged 15–69, while accounting for sex-specific differences.
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of premature death in Canada. However, limited research has explored its relationship to occupation, particularly within the Canadian context.
Data and Methods: This study used data from the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohorts (CanCHECs) linked to mortality records. A retrospective cohort design with a three-year follow-up period was employed. Logistic regression models - adjusted for age, sex, education, and visible minority status - were used to assess CVD mortality risk across occupational groups. Stratified analyses were conducted to examine sex-specific patterns.
Results: Significant disparities in CVD mortality were observed across occupations. Compared to the reference group (arts, culture, recreation, and sport), higher odds of CVD mortality were found among workers in sales and service (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.11–2.54), trades, transport, and equipment operation (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.01–2.22), natural resources and agriculture (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05–2.50), and manufacturing and utilities (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05–2.32). Risks were particularly elevated among female workers in manufacturing and utilities (OR = 5.26, 95% CI: 1.42–19.58), natural resources and agriculture (OR = 6.70, 95% CI: 1.51–29.83), and trades and transport (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.07–16.93). No occupation-specific associations reached statistical significance for males. Occupations with higher income and job security, such as management (OR = 0.92), were not linked to increased CVD risk. Additionally, age and non-visible minority status were associated with increased mortality, while higher education showed a protective effect.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted public health and occupational interventions to address cardiovascular risk disparities in the Canadian workforce.
About Mubashir
Mubashir Abbas, BMSc ’25, MSc. Epidemiology Candidate, works closely with Dr. Saverio Stranges, Dr. Piotr Wilk, Dr. Franca Barbic, and Dr. Shehzad Ali. His research interests include cardiovascular disease morbidity and prevention, public health policy, and the application of epidemiologic methods to improve patient care and health outcomes at both a local and global scale. He is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between medical research and practical intervention, with a focus on cardiology and interdisciplinary collaboration, in order to bring about meaningful change in the medical community and the patient experience at-large.
