Health Outcomes Related to Socioeconomic Status in Brazilian Adults Residing in Areas of Moderate Social Vulnerability
Overview
This study investigates the association between socioeconomic status and various health outcomes, including anxiety and depressive symptoms, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and quality of life among Brazilian adults in moderate social vulnerability.
Background
Mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are prevalent and significantly impact health outcomes globally. In Brazil, the prevalence of these disorders increased notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to recent studies, highlighting the importance of understanding the interplay between socioeconomic status and health outcomes. This study focuses on adults living in areas of moderate social vulnerability, where socioeconomic factors may influence mental and physical health.
Data Highlights
Health Outcome
Prevalence
Moderate–severe depressive symptoms
8%
Moderate–severe anxiety symptoms
7%
Increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases
~50%
Poor quality of life
4–12%
Key Findings
8% of participants exhibited moderate–severe depressive symptoms.
7% of participants reported moderate–severe anxiety symptoms.
Approximately 50% of the cohort showed an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Poor quality of life affected 4–12% of participants across various domains.
No statistically significant differences in health outcomes were observed across different socioeconomic statuses (all P>0.05).
Higher socioeconomic status was associated with a greater frequency of poor psychological quality of life (P = 0.0157).
Clinical Implications
The study presents findings that within a moderately vulnerable population, mental health and physical health indicators do not significantly differ by socioeconomic status.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that socioeconomic status does not significantly influence mental health and physical health outcomes among Brazilian adults living in moderate social vulnerability.
by Camilla Ytala Pinheiro Fernandes, Cristiane Maria Gonçalves, Lucas Melo Neves, Thais Reimberg, Patricia Colombo-Souza, Jane de Eston Armond, Natália Pinheiro Fabricio Formiga, Saulo Gil
