Abstract
It is often assumed that higher income contributes to physical health. Indeed, there is a huge amount of research showing a strong significant association between income and health. However, very few studies have used longitudinal data and an objective variable for health, such as morbidity. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association between the income and morbidity of individuals over time. Data from a total of four waves (year 2008 to year 2017) of the nationally representative German Ageing Survey was analyzed by linear fixed-effects regressions. The used equivalized income was based on the respondents’ monthly net household income. To obtain a comprehensive picture of the dependent variable morbidity, self-reported diseases, current symptoms, and physician-diagnosed diseases were examined. The analyses showed no significant association between percentage changes in income and morbidity in the total sample. Even after considering selected socioeconomic groups in further subgroup analyses, there was no significant within-person association found over time. In summary, the unexpected results of this study suggest that the previously assumed link between income and health in Germany may be called into question. Further research based on longitudinal studies is, therefore, required.
Highlights
For most people, it seems obvious that income and health are strongly linked
It is often assumed that healthy lifestyle choices, such as nutrition and exercise, are easier to access with higher income
We investigated the association between percentage changes in income and patients’ self-reported information on the (i) number of chronic conditions as well as their (ii) severity
Summary
It seems obvious that income and health are strongly linked. They would expect health to be better the more income someone has. It is often assumed that healthy lifestyle choices, such as nutrition and exercise, are easier to access with higher income. Most are probably aware that healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are more expensive than junk food [1]. The opportunities for physical activity in the form of sports clubs and gyms are likely to depend on the amount of money available [2]. Another explanation for this assumption could be the use of additional services at the doctor’s office in Germany, which are not paid by health insurance funds and, may depend on individual income [3]
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