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Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older adults in Germany
[journal article]
Abstract Limited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating social inequalities in limited lung function are rare. Thus, the current study investigates which socioeconomic groups are the most affected by overall limited lung function and severely limited lung functio... view more
Limited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating social inequalities in limited lung function are rare. Thus, the current study investigates which socioeconomic groups are the most affected by overall limited lung function and severely limited lung function.
Methods: Data from the population-based German Aging Survey were used (N = 4472), with participants being 40 + years old. Lung function was assessed by the peak flow test. Education, income, and occupational prestige were used as socioeconomic indicators.
Results: We found that overall limited lung function was highly prevalent across the whole sample, with about 33% (Women: 35%; Men: 30%) having overall limited lung function and 8% (Women: 7%; Men: 8%) having severely limited lung function. Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function emerged for all three indicators, education, income, and occupational prestige, in both men and women in single effect analyses. These differences persisted for occupational prestige and income when controlling for all indicators simultaneously.
Results: Thus, overall and severely limited lung function are highly prevalent health conditions. Men and women with a low occupational position and those with low income are the most affected. Socioeconomic indicators cannot be used interchangeably when studying health inequalities in lung functioning. Occupational hazards and physical working conditions are likely to constitute major risks of health inequalities in limited lung functioning and should be investigated as such by future studies.... view less
Keywords
adult; elderly; health status; morbidity; socioeconomic factors; social inequality; Federal Republic of Germany
Classification
Medical Sociology
Gerontology
Free Keywords
DEAS 2014; Lungenfunktion; Funktionale Gesundheit; Funktionsverlust; Lebensmitte; Ältere Menschen
Document language
English
Publication Year
2024
Journal
International Journal for Equity in Health, 23 (2024)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02224-1
ISSN
1475-9276
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed