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Socio-demographic Differences in Self-reported Psychological Distress Among 25- to 64-Year-Old Finns

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Abstract

Background Mental health problems are a major public health issue worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of socio-demographic characteristics associated with different domains of psychological distress in Finland. Methods Data source was a nationwide survey “Health Behaviour and Health among the Finnish Adult Population” (AVTK), from years 2002 to 2003 (N = 5425; response rate 66%). Psychological distress was measured by self-reported questions of general mental health (MHI-5), depression, insomnia and stress. Socio-demographic factors included education, employment status, partnership and children living in the household. Main analyses were conducted by multivariate logistic regression. Results Education, employment and partnership were associated with most of the psychological distress outcomes. Respondents with a lower educational level had poor mental health in both genders but less insomnia and stress in men. Those with an intermediate education had the least stress in women. The unemployed and retired were at a higher risk for poor mental health and depression. Moreover, employment status was associated with insomnia and stress in men. Respondents not having a partner showed a higher risk of psychological distress according to all measures. Not having children living in the household was associated with insomnia in women and with less stress in men. Conclusions Socio-demographic factors, such as having a partner and employment status, are associated with several measures of psychological distress indicating the importance of social and economic factors to psychological well-being. The association of education and of having children living at home varies by the domain of psychological distress measure.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by a grant from the Academy of Finland, Research Council of Health Research (No. 214126) and by National Public Health Institute Research Programme on Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, National Public Health Institute (KTL), Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki, 00300, Finland

    Kirsi Talala & Ritva Prättälä

  2. Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute (KTL), Helsinki, Finland

    Taina Huurre & Hillevi Aro

  3. Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Institute (KTL), Helsinki, Finland

    Tuija Martelin

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  1. Kirsi Talala
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  2. Taina Huurre
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Correspondence to Kirsi Talala.

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Talala, K., Huurre, T., Aro, H. et al. Socio-demographic Differences in Self-reported Psychological Distress Among 25- to 64-Year-Old Finns. Soc Indic Res 86, 323–335 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9153-z

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