Race, financial stress and co-morbid mental and physical health conditions among men

Black Americans have higher prevalence rates than White Americans for multiple chronic health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and blood circulation problems. However, Black Americans have lower documented rates of diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders, but similar rates of substance abuse disorders compared to White Americans. These patterns, while partly attributable to characteristics associated with race, may also be significantly impacted by financial stress. While previous research has indicated the connections between race, financial stressors, chronic health conditions, and psychiatric disorders, the intersection of these factors has been less commonly investigated, and particularly so among men. Using data from 1788 Black and 211 non-Hispanic White men from the National Survey of American Life, we examined associations between race, financial stressors, and co-morbid chronic health conditions and psychiatric disorders. Results suggested that both Black and White men with greater financial stress were more likely to have co-morbid chronic health conditions and psychiatric disorders compared to those with no financial stress. In addition, White men, regardless of their level of financial stress, were more likely to experience co-morbid chronic health conditions and psychiatric disorders compared to Black men. Our findings, though inconsistent with the literature on racial disparities in physical health, are consistent with research on racial differences in mental health. Future work is required to further explore these and additional contextual factors that explain racial differences in the prevalence of comorbid mental and chronic health problems beyond financial stressors.