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Journal of Public Health

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01-10-2007 | Original Article

Education, income, occupational status and health risk behaviour

Authors: Marc Nocon, Thomas Keil, Stefan N Willich

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2007

Abstract

Aim

Socio-economic status is associated with a variety of health-related behaviours. In our study, we determined the independent effects of income, educational attainment and occupational status on overweight, smoking and physical activity in the German population.

Subjects and methods

The German National Health Interview and Examination Survey is a representative sample of the German adult population and includes 7,124 men and women. Prevalences of obesity, smoking and physical inactivity stratified for education, income and occupational status were calculated. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for education, income, occupational status and health-related behaviour, adjusted for age and gender.

Results

Health risk behaviours were more prevalent in subjects with lower education, income or occupational status. After mutual adjustment, education, income and occupation were independently associated with physical inactivity. Low education was strongly associated with both obesity (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.99–3.34) and smoking (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.71–2.54). Low income was associated with smoking (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07–1.83), but not with obesity, and low occupational status was associated with obesity (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05–1.92), but not with smoking. High income or occupation could not compensate for the impact of low education on obesity and smoking.

Conclusion

Low socio-economic status is associated with health risk behaviours. Concerning obesity and smoking, education was more important than income or occupational status. Public health programmes to reduce these risk factors should focus on early-life health education.

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Title: Education, income, occupational status and health risk behaviour
Authors: Marc Nocon
Thomas Keil
Stefan N Willich
Publication date: 01-10-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2007
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-007-0120-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Education, income, occupational status and health risk behaviour

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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