Factors associated with epidemiologically defined ischemic heart disease among women of reproductive age in Namangan, Uzbekistan: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of selected traditional, metabolic, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics and to examine their associations with epidemiologically defined ischemic heart disease (IHD) among women aged 15-49 years registered at an urban primary-care facility in Namangan, Uzbekistan.Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Polyclinic No. 2 in Namangan from March 15 to September 15, 2025.Of 5,436 women invited to participate, 4,990 were included in the final analysis.Epidemiologically defined IHD was classified using a standardized algorithm integrating medical documentation, structured symptom assessment, clinical evaluation, and resting 12-lead electrocardiography; additional investigations were performed when clinically indicated.Crude prevalence ratios (cPRs) and age-adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, with age adjustment performed using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors.Results: Epidemiologically defined IHD was identified in 155 women (3.11%, 95% CI 2.64-3.63).Prevalence increased from 0% (95% CI 0-0.64) at ages 15-19 years to 9.26% (95% CI 7.77-10.92)at ages 40-49 years.After adjustment for age, associations persisted for hypertension (aPR 4.80, 95% CI 3.49-6.59),diabetes mellitus (3.67, 2.60-5.18),obesity (3.10, 2.28-4.22),fasting glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L (2.87, 1.99-4.12),insufficient physical activity (2.59, 1.83-3.65),and positive family cardiovascular history (2.40, 1.77-3.26).Material hardship (3.66, 2.68-4.99),depressive symptoms (3.00, 2.12-4.24),and anxiety symptoms (2.86, 2.03-4.03)were also associated with IHD.Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low perceived social support were not statistically significant after age adjustment.Conclusion: Epidemiologically defined IHD showed a pronounced age gradient within the reproductive-age range.Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, elevated fasting glucose, insufficient physical activity, positive family cardiovascular history, material hardship, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms remained associated with IHD after adjustment for age.Given the cross-sectional design and age-only adjustment, these findings should be interpreted as epidemiological associations rather than evidence of independent causal effects.