Abstract
Background:
Studies show that wealth factors are associated with health status. Limited research has examined this association among Hispanic/Latinos of diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between wealth factors, and subjective and objective health status.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from 4,716 Hispanic/Latinos, 18 to 74 years, who participated in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (SCAS). Participants provided information on wealth and “traditional” socioeconomic measures (i.e., education, occupation, income), and subjective health status (i.e., mental health [MCS] and physical health [PCS] scores of the SF-12®). Blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight and height were assessed and all medications were reviewed. Objective health status measures included: hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 or on antihypertensive medications); hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥240, HDL cholesterol < 40, LDL cholesterol ≥ 160, or receiving cholesterol-lowering medication); and obesity (Body Mass Index ≥30). Wealth was measured using a Home Affluence Scale (HASC: range 0 - 6); ability to maintain a standard of living greater than or equal to 6 months; and having accrued savings greater than or equal to $5,000. Other factors included sociodemographic (age, sex, marital status, family size, years in the US, Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics score), health-related (physical activity, diet) and healthcare access variables (health insurance coverage). Data analyses consisted of weighted summary statistics and multivariable linear and logistic regression models using the svy commands in Stata IC 12.1.
Results:
The mean HASC score was 2.9 (95%CI: 2.8-3.0). Approximately 25% (95% CI: 23-27%) of participants reported they would be able to maintain their standard of living for 6 months or more. Almost a third (29%, 95%CI: 27- 32%) had $5,000 or more in savings. Multivariable analyses showed that wealth, as measured by HASC, was positively associated with PCS score (β= 0.54, SE= 0.13, p< 0.01), even after adjusting for “traditional” SES and other sociodemographic factors. In turn, wealth was not associated with MCS score or objective health status.
Discussion:
Results demonstrate that among Hispanic/Latinos of diverse backgrounds, a measure of wealth (HASC score) was associated with perceived physical health status (PCS score) but not other subjective (mental health status [MCS score]) or objective health status measures (i.e., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity). Future studies should address mechanisms via which wealth factors may impact health status in longitudinal designs.