Economic opportunity may have a significant effect on health behaviors and risks

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-12/mgh-eom121615.php

Public Release: 21-Dec-2015
Economic opportunity may have a significant effect on health behaviors and risks
Mass. General-led study finds mortality rates, prevalence of risky behaviors are higher in regions with lower economic opportunity
Massachusetts General Hospital

A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has found evidence that economic opportunity - the prospect that individuals may be able to improve their economic status - may have important effects on the health of a community. In an American Journal of Public Health report that has been published online, the researchers found that mortality rates were higher and that risk factors like obesity and smoking and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were greater in areas with the lowest levels of economic opportunity, based on a nationwide database.

•••••

While much attention has been given lately to issue of income inequality, economic opportunity is a different concept. Income inequality represents unequal distribution of resources at the present time, while economic opportunity reflects prospect for future social mobility. Venkataramani explains that while the two concepts are probably related, they may have distinct consequences for health, which led his team to embark on what they believe is the first national study to examine the relationship between economic opportunity and health.

Economic opportunity is usually determined by comparing income differences between generations.

•••••

The study results - based on data from almost 2,700 counties covering 97 percent of the U.S. population - found strong associations between areas of low economic opportunity, such as the Southeast and upper Midwest, and higher mortality rates. Prevalence of smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes were all higher in lower-opportunity counties. All of the associations were stronger in working age adults, particularly those ages 25 to 44, and among African Americans. The researchers determined that moving from the lowest opportunity to mid-range counties was associated with a 6.5 percent decrease in mortality, while moving to areas with the highest opportunity levels appeared to reduce the mortality rate by 16.7 percent.

•••••