Socioeconomic Status and Quality of Life: An Assessment of the Mediating Effect of Social Capital

Abstract

Socioeconomic status has been found to be a significant predictor of quality of life, with individuals of higher socioeconomic status reporting better quality of life. However, social capital may play a mediating role in this relationship. This study highlights the need for further research on the role of social capital in the relationship between socioeconomic status and quality of life, and the potential implications for policies aimed at reducing health and social inequalities. The study used a cross-sectional design with 1792 adults 18 and older from Wave 2 of the Study of Global AGEing and Adult Health. We employed a mediation analysis to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status, social capital, and quality of life. The results showed that socioeconomic status was a strong predictor of social capital and quality of life. In addition to this, there was a positive correlation between social capital and quality of life. We found social capital to be a significant mechanism by which adults’ socioeconomic status influences their quality of life. It is crucial to invest in social infrastructure, encourage social cohesiveness, and decrease social inequities due to the significance of social capital in the connection between socioeconomic status and quality of life. To improve quality of life, policymakers and practitioners might concentrate on creating and fostering social networks and connections in communities, encouraging social capital among people, and ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities.

Perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among racial/ethnic minority adults in the United States: insights from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6

“…In addition, gender differences emerged as a significant determinant, with females having a higher incidence of mental health symptoms than males. This result is consistent with Thapa et al (2020) and Ma et al (2021) , who found higher rates of mental health symptoms among adult females ( Nutakor et al, 2023a , b , c ). Understanding these gender differences is essential for tailoring mental health interventions and support services to meet the unique requirements and challenges faced by women.…”

“…Despite these strengths, the study has limitations that must be considered. First, because the data are cross-sectional, it is not easy to establish causal relationships ( Nutakor et al, 2023a , b , c ). Longitudinal studies would help investigate the temporal relationships between the indicated factors and mental health symptoms.…”

“…Mental health disorders affect millions worldwide, with significant regional and cultural differences ( Liu et al, 2020 ; Nutakor et al, 2021 ). The prevalence and impact of mental health disorders have prompted international organizations and governments to make concerted efforts to address the problem ( Kopinak, 2015 ; Nutakor et al, 2023a , b , c ). Despite these efforts, deviations from global targets persist, especially among populations of racial/ethnic minorities ( Mongelli et al, 2020 ).…”

Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment in Older Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

“…However, these findings are not consistent across all age groups; e.g., a systematic review revealed no differences in QOL domains between the pediatric population with T1DM and healthy controls [28]. The literature consistently identifies sociodemographic determinants such as female gender, rural environment, lower income, lower education level, and lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity and smoking to be associated with poorer HRQOL in both diabetes types [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. The recommended lifestyle adjustments and complex pharmacological treatment schemes for diabetic patients may affect their QOL from the outset.…”

Does adult socioeconomic status mediate the relationship between adolescent socioeconomic status and adult quality of life?

“…6 Studies indicate that SES is the most important determinant of QOL. 7 , 8 Nutakor et al 9 show that SES is a significant predictor of QOL. Abdollahpour et al 10 showed that, among other factors, high SES consistently is the strongest predictor of SRH, promoting economic development can have profound effects on the health of the adult population, especially, improvement in adult SES versus adolescent SES further promotes SRH.…”