Social Inequalities in Mental Health in Norway
Author Information
Author(s): Dalgard Odd Steffen
Primary Institution: National Institute of Public Health, Division of Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
Hypothesis
There is a social gradient in psychological distress, and there is likewise a social gradient in psychosocial as well as life style related risk factors.
Conclusion
Both individual characteristics and factors related to the actual life situation contribute to the social gradient in mental health.
Supporting Evidence
- A strong social gradient in mental health was found, with psychological distress increasing by decreasing social status.
- Low self-efficacy and sense of powerlessness were identified as important explanatory factors for mental health disparities.
- Adjustment for psychosocial and lifestyle factors eliminated the social gradient in psychological distress.
Takeaway
People with lower social status tend to feel more stressed and unhappy, and this is linked to things like feeling powerless and having economic problems.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design based on a nationwide survey in Oslo, Norway, with structured interviews and existing registers for data collection.
Potential Biases
The study excluded immigrants from non-western countries, which may bias the socioeconomic status representation.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and the low response rate may affect representativeness.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 30-60 years, with a focus on the working population, excluding immigrants from low-income countries.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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