Individual socioeconomic position, neighbourhood disadvantage and mental well-being: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis of mid-age adults

Abstract

Background Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with mental illness, yet its relationship with mental well-being is unclear. Mental well-being is defined as feeling good and functioning well. Benefits of mental well-being include reduced mortality, improved immune functioning and pain tolerance, and increased physical function, pro-social behaviour, and academic and job performance. This study aims to explore the relationship between individual socioeconomic position (SEP), neighbourhood disadvantage and mental well-being in mid-age adults. Methods Multilevel modelling was used to analyse data collected from 7866 participants from the second (2009) wave of HABITAT (How Areas in Brisbane Influence healTh and activiTy), a longitudinal study (2007–2018) of adults aged 40–65 years living in Brisbane, Australia. Mental well-being was measured using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Exposure measures were education, occupation, household income, and neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage. Results The lowest MWB scores were observed for the least educated (β = − 1.22, 95%CI = − 1.74, − 0.71), those permanently unable to work (β = − 5.50, 95%CI = − 6.90, − 4.10), the unemployed (β = − 2.62, 95%CI = − 4.12, − 1.13), and members of low-income households (β = − 3.77, 95%CI = − 4.59, − 2.94). Residents of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods had lower MWB scores than those living in the least disadvantaged neighbourhoods, after adjustment for individual-level SEP (β = − 0.96, 95%CI = − 1.66, − 0.28). Conclusions Both individual-level SEP and neighbourhood disadvantage are associated with mental well-being although the association is stronger for individual-level SEP. This research highlights the need to address individual and neighbourhood-level socioeconomic determinants of mental well-being.

Neurocognitive correlates of metabolic dysregulation in individuals with mood disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…As a result, this may exacerbate preexisting symptoms and cost the healthcare system an additional $3252-$19 363 per patient, annually (Cutler, Fernandez-Llimos, Frommer, Benrimoj, & Garcia-Cardenas, 2018). Furthermore, due to the strong socioeconomic influence on metabolic health (Mohammed et al, 2019) and mental illness (Mann, Heesch, Rachele, Burton, & Turrell, 2022), this may disproportionately increase the risk for cognitive dysfunction among individuals of low socioeconomic status (Wang et al, 2023). Therefore, when cognitive impairments persist despite the use of standard treatments in mood disorder populations, they may exacerbate the burden at both the individual patient and global healthcare level.…”

Stronger association of perceived health with socio-economic inequality during COVID-19 pandemic than pre-pandemic era

“…For instance, association between the availability of fast-food restaurants in the neighborhood versus obesity measured by body mass index is especially stronger in subgroup with lower monthly household income [65]. Also, residents of the most disadvantaged neighborhood have lower perceived mental health than those in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods, even after adjustment for individual-level socioeconomic position [61]. Individuals' adaptive responses to the challenges of COVID-19 by applying the grit and resilience (among others) are paramount [66,67].…”

“…The current study results showed larger impact that lower monthly household income (socioeconomic inequality) has on perceived health status during the COVID-19 pandemic than pre-pandemic era. Poor socioeconomic position of lower household income itself has been associated with lower perceived mental health (mental well-being) [61]. On the contrary, better household wealth quantile is associated with less depressive symptoms by mediation of better healthcare service access and social contact [56].…”

Correction to: Individual socioeconomic position, neighbourhood disadvantage and mental well-being: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis of mid-age adults

“…The original publication of this article contained 2 typo’s in the abstract. The incorrect and correct information is shown in this correction article [ 1 ]. The original article has been updated.…”