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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 5/2010

01-10-2010 | Original Article

The impact of ethnicity, place of residence and socioeconomic status on health-related quality of life: results from a Greek health survey

Authors: Eleni Lahana, Evelina Pappa, Dimitris Niakas

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2010

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Abstract

Objectives

The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on health previously studied demonstrates that low SES relates to lower health. In Greece, related studies are limited and focused on native population. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of residence, ethnicity and SES on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

The study was carried out in Thessaly using a sample of 1,372 individuals (18+ years old, response rate 91.4%) via face-to-face interview. Multiple stepwise linear regression analyses were performed investigating the impact of the above factors on HRQoL, measured by SF-36. Interaction effects between socioeconomic and demographic variables were performed.

Results

Disadvantage of SES, i.e. primary education and low income, was associated with impaired HRQoL in physical and mental health. Albanians reported better HRQoL compared to Greeks but after controlling for SES factors health disparities became insignificant. Rural residents were related to better general and mental health.

Conclusions

SES is an independent predictor of HRQoL, but ethnicity and place of residence had weak impact. Investigating the underline mechanisms that impair HRQoL, so as to take policies that will elucidate the risk of poor health in disadvantage groups, is important.
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Metadata
Title
The impact of ethnicity, place of residence and socioeconomic status on health-related quality of life: results from a Greek health survey
Authors
Eleni Lahana
Evelina Pappa
Dimitris Niakas
Publication date
01-10-2010
Publisher
SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-010-0171-2

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