The cross-sectional association between state-level public health funding per capita and physical health among adults in the United States

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320920
• Publication Date: 2025-04-01T21:02:55Z
• Authors: Stephen Hunter; Sze Y. Liu; Daniel M. Cook; Kia L. Davis; Brendan T. Smith; Roman Pabayo
• Keywords: Household income; Odds; Cross-sectional study; Educational Attainment; Per capita income

Objectives This study examined the association between state-level public health funding per capita and odds of poor physical health. Study design Cross-sectional. Methods Data from 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used. Participants’ self-reported was reported using CDC Healthy Days Core Module. State-level obtained State Health Access Assistance Center website. Multilevel logistic regression used to adjust for individual-level characteristics American Community Survey. We also tested whether household income or education attainment moderated any observed associations. Results A one SD increase in not associated with ≥ 14 days (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.01). However, heterogeneity across observed. Greater lower predicted probabilities reporting among respondents low backgrounds ( <$35,000 USD) compared participants high incomes (>$75,000 USD). No associations those moderate ($35,000 – $70,000 incomes. similar finding less than school when post-secondary education. Conclusion appears have a protective against individuals may be helpful reducing inequities. Future research is needed determine this causal.