Full Citation

Title: The Compounded Burden of Poverty on Mental Health for People with Disabilities

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISBN:

ISSN: 1937190X

DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2021.1905579

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID: 33832403

Abstract: Using 2008–2017 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 127,973), we investigated the relationship between income and psychological distress, measured by the Kessler 6 (K6) Scale (range 0–24), net of education, employment, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Regression models allowed the association to differ by disability status and number of disabilities. Lower income predicted higher psychological distress for those with and without disabilities. However, the adverse association was stronger among people with disabilities. Compared to those with incomes at least four times the poverty threshold, poor individuals with disabilities scored 2.81 (95% CI = 2.55,3.67) points higher on the K6 Scale versus 0.58 (95% CI = 0.48,0.69) points higher for those without disabilities. Differences in associations by number of disabilities were not statistically significant. Nonetheless, those with multiple disabilities were still at increased risk of distress because they were disproportionately poor. People with disabilities who are poor are particularly disadvantaged and should be prioritized in outreach efforts.

Url: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19371918.2021.1905579

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Williams, Meredith R.; Do, D. Phuong

Periodical (Full): Social Work in Public Health

Issue: 4

Volume: 36

Pages: 419-431

Data Collections: IPUMS Health Surveys - NHIS

Topics: Health, Poverty and Welfare

Countries: