Education level as a predictor of the onset of health problems among China’s middle-aged population: Cox regression analysis

Background Despite the importance of midlife with reference to one’s health, educational inequalities in health have attracted little attention China. Using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, this study examined association between attainment and onset problems investigated potential mediating effects socioeconomic position (SEP) other than attainment, depression, behavior. Methods Data were extracted from China Health Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHALRS) 2011 (baseline) 2018 (latest data). Participants aged 45–59 years at baseline studied ( N = 8,050). outcomes included poor self-rated (SRH), limitation activities daily living (ADL) instrumental ADL (IADL), multimorbidity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart diseases, stroke over 7-year follow-up period. hazard models used examine associations while controlling for mediators (other SEP, behaviors). Results Lower level was associated increased incidences SRH ADL/IADL limitations, but decreased dyslipidemia disease. After adjusting covariates, RII 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74, 2.70) SRH, 2.15 CI: 1.42, 3.26) limitation, 3.84 2.98, 4.94) IADL 0.52 0.40, 0.68) 0.55 0.74) Significant proportions (2.1 27.0%) explained by mediators. No sex or urban–rural differences found study. Conclusion Our findings suggest that is an important predictor key problems, significant exerted indicators