Abstract
Abstract Background: The global prevalence of mental disorders highlights the urgency of understanding their determinants. Socio-economic status (SES), encompassing income, education and occupation, plays a crucial role in shaping mental health outcomes. Research consistently demonstrates a strong association between lower SES and an increased risk of mental disorders. Comprehensive synthesis through systematic review and meta-analysis is essential for informing targeted interventions to address socio-economic disparities and promote mental well-being. Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science. Studies examining the association between SES indicators (e.g., education, income and occupation) and mental disorders were included. Quality assessment and risk-of-bias evaluations were conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses were performed to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between SES and mental disorders. Results: SES was associated with higher mental disorders. Educational level, income level and occupational level were examined for their association with mental disorders, all showing statistically significant correlations (pooled HR: 1.17 [95% CI: 1.2, 1.23]; 1.08 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.1]; 1.66 [95% CI: 1.59, 1.74], respectively). Despite high heterogeneity, the overall effects remained significant, as demonstrated in the sensitivity analysis. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence of the association between SES and mental disorders, emphasising the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities in mental health. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote mental well-being and equitable access to mental healthcare services. By identifying actionable strategies to address social determinants of mental health, this study contributes to efforts aimed at reducing health inequities and fostering resilient communities.
Published Version
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