Gender differences in the effects of economic inequality on mental conditions: a multivariate meta-analysis of Gini index and relative income position in high-income OECD countries - Takeaways - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Sex-Based Variations in the Impact of Economic Disparities on Mental Health: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Gini Coefficient and Relative Income Status in Affluent OECD Nations

  • By

  • Olivia Kalinowski

  • Wulf Rössler

  • September 3, 2026

Share

  • 1

    Women experience higher rates of relative poverty compared to men, with a prevalence of 20.5% versus 18.3%.

  • 2

    The meta-analysis revealed a significant link between lower income and poorer mental health, with a log odds ratio of 0.55.

  • 3

    Gender did not moderate the overall effects of income on mental health, but significant moderation was found in depression-focused analyses.

  • 4

    The Gini index was not associated with mental health outcomes, yet gender remained a significant moderator in the analysis.

  • 5

    Women are disproportionately affected by income-related mental health inequalities, particularly in relation to depression.

Original Source(s)

Gender differences in the effects of economic inequality on mental conditions: a multivariate meta-analysis of Gini index and relative income position in high-income OECD countries

  • by Olivia Kalinowski, Wulf Rössler

  • September 3, 2026

Related Content

Neurogenic progression may falter in MDD

Postmortem multiomic analyses showed more quiescent neural stem cells and fewer neuroblasts, alongside broader hippocampal molecular changes.

Can Machine Learning Models Tell Us What Treatment Works for Whom?

Medical Oddities: Sheep wool gets into bone repair

From sheep wool to space guts, cannabis beats to tea: science took a wonderfully weird turn.