1
|
Rossi R, Di Lorenzo G, Jannini TB, Ossola P, Belvederi Murri M, Siracusano A, Rossi A. The role of income inequality as an ecological determinant of mental health: A nation-wide multilevel analysis on an Italian sample. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024:207640241242017. [PMID: 38570910 DOI: 10.1177/00207640241242017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Income inequality, a pivotal determinant of general and mental health, operates through intricate mechanisms at various geographical scales. While established at country or region levels, the impact of lower-level (municipal or neighborhood) inequality remains inconsistent. This study explores the influence of regional- and municipal-level income inequality on individual psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, employing a multilevel data analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a post hoc analysis of data from the first wave of the pandemic (March to April 2020), three hierarchical levels were considered: individual participants, municipalities, and regions. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, while the Gini coefficient gauged income inequality at municipal and regional levels. The analysis incorporated demographic variables as potential confounders. RESULTS The study encompassed 21 regions, 3,900 municipalities, and 21,477 subjects. Income inequality at both regional and municipal levels exhibited associations with distress scores, suggesting independent effects. Notably, higher distress scores were identified in southern regions with elevated inequality, despite a more substantial COVID-19 impact in the north. DISCUSSION Findings contribute to existing literature by emphasizing the independent impact of lower-level (municipal) and higher-level (regional) income inequality on population psychopathology. The study supports theories suggesting diverse pathways through which inequality at different levels influences health, such as potential associations with healthcare system dysfunction at the regional level and welfare dysfunction at the municipal level. The observed north-south gradient in distress scores highlights the need for psychosocial interventions to alleviate income inequality, especially in historically disadvantaged southern regions. Future research should explore the nuanced interplay between income inequality and various ecological variables to provide a comprehensive understanding of its health impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Ita
| | - Paolo Ossola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parmaa, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Siracusano
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Benny C, Pietrosanu M, Lowe SAJ, Yamamoto SS, Kong L, McDonald S, Pabayo R. An investigation into the relationship between community engagement and maternal mental health in Calgary, Alberta using the All Our Families cohort. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:695-704. [PMID: 37017657 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Existing literature shows that increased community engagement is associated with decreased depressive symptoms. To our knowledge, no existing studies have investigated the relationship between community engagement and adverse mental health among mothers in a Canadian context, nor has this relationship been studied over time. The current study aims to address these gaps by modelling the association between community engagement and anxiety and depression longitudinally using a cohort of prenatal and postnatal mothers living in Calgary, Alberta. METHODS We used data from the All our Families (AOF) study, a prospective cohort study of expectant and new mothers in Calgary, Alberta from 2008 to 2017 across seven timepoints. We used three-level latent growth curves to model the relationship between individual-level community engagement and maternal depression and anxiety scores, while adjusting for both individual and neighborhood-level characteristics. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 2129 mothers across 174 neighborhoods in Calgary. Adjusted latent growth curve models demonstrated that community engagement was associated with lower depression (b = - 0.28, 95% CI - 0.33, - 0.23) and anxiety (b = - 0.07, 95% CI - 0.12, - 0.02) scores among mothers over time. DISCUSSION Adjusted results show that community engagement has a protective effect against depression and anxiety amongst mothers. The results of this study are in line with existing evidence suggesting that social cohesion, civic participation, and community engagement are protective against adverse mental health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Benny
- 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta School of Public Health, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Matthew Pietrosanu
- CAB 632, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G1, Canada
| | - Samuel A J Lowe
- 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta School of Public Health, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Shelby S Yamamoto
- 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta School of Public Health, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Linglong Kong
- CAB 632, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G1, Canada
| | - Sheila McDonald
- Child Development Centre 391, University of Calgary, 3820-24 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 1Z7, Canada
| | - Roman Pabayo
- 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta School of Public Health, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marbin D, Gutwinski S, Schreiter S, Heinz A. Perspectives in poverty and mental health. Front Public Health 2022; 10:975482. [PMID: 35991010 PMCID: PMC9386343 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.975482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, different forms of poverty and their interaction with mental illness have been in the focus of research, although the implementation of action in mental health care and policy making so far is scarce. This perspective article offers different perspectives of poverty and its reciprocal association with mental illness and outlines possible future research and policy implications. We will approach the topic of poverty from various levels: On a micro-level, focusing on absolute poverty with precarious housing and malnutrition. On a meso-level, on neighborhood-related poverty as a factor in individuals' mental illness. On a macro-level, on effects of income inequality on mental health. In several studies, it has been shown that on each level, poverty has a profound impact on mental health, though it must be noted that in some fields, research is still scarce. In the future, an inter- and transdisciplinary approach is of considerable importance, since poverty and its impact on mental health should be addressed from different perspectives, reaching from targeted programs for individual groups (e.g., homeless people) up to national policy measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derin Marbin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry of University Hospital Charité in St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Derin Marbin
| | - Stefan Gutwinski
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry of University Hospital Charité in St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiter
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Farmer G, Lowe SAJ, McDonald S, Yamamoto SS, Chari R, Pabayo R. Do social support and community engagement act as mechanisms in the association between neighbourhood income inequality and the mental health of mothers in Calgary, Canada? A mediation analysis. Health Place 2022; 76:102851. [PMID: 35779324 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE According to the social determinants of health framework, income inequality is a potential risk factor for adverse mental health. However, few studies have explored the mechanisms suspected to mediate this relationship. The current study addresses this gap through a mediation analysis to determine if social support and community engagement act as mediators linking neighbourhood income inequality to maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms within a cohort of new mothers living in the City of Calgary, Canada. METHODS Data collected at three years postpartum from mothers belonging to the All Our Families (AOF) cohort were used in the current study. Maternal data were collected between 2012 and 2015 and linked to neighbourhood socioeconomic data from the 2006 Canadian Census. Income inequality was measured using Gini coefficients derived from 2006 after-tax census data. Generalized structural equation models were used to quantify the associations between income inequality and mental health symptoms, and to assess the potential direct and indirect mediating effects of maternal social support and community engagement. RESULTS Income inequality was not significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.32, 95%CI = -0.067, 0.70), anxiety symptoms (β = 0.11, 95%CI = -0.39, 0.60), or lower social support. Income inequality was not associated with community engagement. For the depression models, higher social support was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms (β = -0.13, 95%CI = -0.15, -0.097), while community engagement was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.059, 95%CI = -0.15, 0.27). Similarly, for the anxiety models, lower anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with higher levels of social support (β = -0.17, 95%CI = -0.20, -0.13) but not with higher levels of community engagement (β = 0.14, 95%CI = -0.14, 0.41). CONCLUSION The current study did not find clear evidence for social support or community engagement mediating the relationship between neighbourhood income inequality and maternal mental health. Future investigations should employ a broader longitudinal approach to capture changes in income inequality, potential mediators, and mental health symptomatology over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Farmer
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - S A J Lowe
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - S McDonald
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - S S Yamamoto
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - R Chari
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 8440 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - R Pabayo
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|