Problems with measuring socioeconomic status (SES)-frequently included in clinical and public health studies as a control variable less frequently the variable(s) of main interest-could affect research findings conclusions, implications for practice policy. We critically examine standard SES measurement approaches, illustrating problems examples from new analyses literature. For example, marked racial/ethnic differences income at given educational level wealth raise questions about...

We aimed to describe socioeconomic disparities in the United States across multiple health indicators and groups.

We investigated the role of socioeconomic factors in Black-White disparities preterm birth (PTB).We used population-based California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment survey certificate data on 10 400 US-born Black White residents who gave during 2003 to 2010 examine rates relative likelihoods PTB among versus women, with adjustment for multiple covariables.Greater advantage was generally associated lower but not women. There were no significant within most socioeconomically...

Abstract We explored how different socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups in the United States might fare an influenza pandemic on basis of social factors that shape exposure, vulnerability to virus, timeliness adequacy treatment. discuss policies differentially affect groups’ risk for illness or death. Our purpose is not establish precise magnitude disparities likely occur; rather, it call attention avoidable can be expected absence systematic differential risks preparedness plans. Policy...

We studied differences in the incidence of appendiceal perforation patients with acute appendicitis according to their insurance coverage.In a retrospective analysis hospital-discharge data, we examined likelihood ruptured appendix among adults 18 64 years old who were hospitalized for California from 1984 1989.After controlling age, sex, psychiatric diagnoses, substance abuse, diabetes, poverty, race or ethnic group, and hospital characteristics, found that was more likely both...

Objectives The causes of the large and persistent Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB) are unknown. It is biologically plausible that chronic stress across a woman's life course could be contributor. Prior research suggests worry about experiencing racial discrimination affect PTB through neuroendocrine, vascular, or immune mechanisms involved both responses to initiation labor. This study aimed examine role disparities PTB. Methods data source was cross-sectional California...

The purpose of this study was to determine whether women's sociodemographic characteristics are independently associated with cesarean delivery.A retrospective review conducted hospital discharge data for singleton first births in California 1991.After insurance and personal, community, medical, had been controlled, Blacks were 24% more likely undergo delivery than Whites; only among low-birthweight county not at a significantly elevated risk. Among women who resided substantially...

Objective.Theoretical and empiric considerations raise concerns about how socioeconomic status/position (abbreviated here as SES) is often measured in health research.The authors aimed to guide the use of two common indicators, education income, studies racial/ethnic disparities low birthweight, delayed prenatal care, unintended pregnancy, breastfeeding intention.Methods.Data from a statewide postpartum survey California (N = 10,055) were linked birth certificates.Overall by race/ethnicity,...

In this study of hospital discharge data on births to residents an eight-county region California, we found increasing lack health insurance that was associated with elevated and risk adverse outcomes in newborns. Between 1982 1986, the percentage newborns without increased overall by 45 percent (from 5.5 8.0 percent; P less than 0.001); increases were larger among Asians (by 54 [from 7.8 12.0 percent]; 0.001) Latinos 140 8.2 19.7 0.001). By odds ratio for outcome (defined as a prolonged...

Objectives. Income data are often missing for substantial proportions of survey participants and these records dropped from analyses. To explore the implications excluding with income, we examined characteristics without income information. Methods. Using statewide population-based postpartum California Maternal Infant Health Assessment, compared age, education, parity, marital status, timely prenatal care initiation, neighborhood poverty women reported data, overall, by...

Objective. We explored methods and potential applications of a systematic approach to studying monitoring social disparities in health care. Methods. Using delayed or no prenatal care as an example indicator, we (1) categorized women into groups with different levels underlying advantage; (2) described graphically displayed rates the indicator relative group size for each group; (3) identified measured disparities, calculating risks rate differences compare its priori most-advantaged...

The increased risk of infant mortality associated with single motherhood is neither consistent among social and demographic subgroups nor inevitable, according to data from national linked birth death files for 1983-1985. Maternal age the only variable found have a significant interaction marital status black mothers, unmarried increases age. Among white age, educational level receipt prenatal care all show interactions status; risks attributed are concentrated usually thought be at lower...

IMPORTANCETo our knowledge, few published studies have examined the influence of competitive food and beverage (CF&B) policies on student weight outcomes; none investigated disparities in CF&B children's body by school neighborhood socioeconomic resources.OBJECTIVE To investigate whether association between population-level trends childhood overweight/obesity differed income education levels.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study, from July 2013 to October 2014,...