Socioeconomic status in health: Analysis of a local sample

Health status has been linked to socioeconomic status (SES). SES is comprised of work, educational attainment, income, and class. This study examined the relationship among the components of these variables and perception of health, health insurance, and access to health care. Data were collected via random digit telephone interviews and analyzed using chi-square and logistic regressions.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents reported being in poor or fair health. Fourteen percent of respondents were living at or below the poverty level. Those in poverty were more than twice as likely to report poor or fair health and were 2.95 times more likely to have high school or less education. Twenty one percent of respondents had no insurance or did not respond. Those with high school or less were 3.8 times more likely to be uninsured. Those of working age were 15 times more likely to be uninsured. Those without health insurance were 4.6 times more likely to have no usual source of health care.

The area has a storied past and there is considerable evidence of bias and discrimination in development and allocation of community resources. Local averages of high school drop out rates were approximately 35%. Many may perceive that having access to educational opportunities beyond high school and jobs that require this education are unattainable.

Post-high school education benefits include improved health status and disease outcomes. Policies must be enacted to promote completion of high school, equity in access to higher education, and job opportunities for those who attend college.