Abstract
In the study described herein, we investigated and explored the association between wealth inequality and the risk of mental disability in the Chinese population. We used nationally represented, population-based data from the second China National Sample Survey on Disability, conducted in 2006. A total of 1,724,398 study subjects between the ages of 15 and 64, including 10,095 subjects with mental disability only, were used for the analysis. Wealth status was estimated by a wealth index that was derived from a principal component analysis of 10 household assets and four other variables related to wealth. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for mental disability for each category, with the lowest quintile category as the referent. Confounding variables under consideration were age, gender, residence area, marital status, ethnicity, education, current employment status, household size, house type, homeownership and living arrangement. The distribution of various types and severities of mental disability differed significantly by wealth index category in the present population. Wealth index category had a positive association with mild mental disability (p for trend <0.01), but had a negative association with extremely severe mental disability (p for trend <0.01). Moreover, wealth index category had a significant, inverse association with mental disability when all severities of mental disability were taken into consideration. This study’s results suggest that wealth is a significant factor in the distribution of mental disability and it might have different influences on various types and severities of mental disability.
Highlights
IntroductionIn transitional China, which has been undergoing rapid socioeconomic development, the prevalence rate of mental disorders had rapidly increased by approximately 17% in a recent study conducted in four provinces in China [2,3]
Mental health is an essential state of wellbeing [1]
We aim to investigate the association between wealth index and various types of mental disability, using data from a nationally representative survey [12]
Summary
In transitional China, which has been undergoing rapid socioeconomic development, the prevalence rate of mental disorders had rapidly increased by approximately 17% in a recent study conducted in four provinces in China [2,3]. Among many determinants of disability, socioeconomic status could be measured by income, education, and employment [5,6,7,8]. Previous studies reported that income, education and employment had strong correlations with disability [9]. A crucial measurement of socioeconomic status, was reported having a positive correlation with disability [9,10,11]. We aim to investigate the association between wealth index and various types of mental disability, using data from a nationally representative survey [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
