Socioeconomic inequalities in health: the role of daily hassles and the importance of health

Abstract A low socioeconomic position (SEP) adversely affects health outcomes and is associated with a lower perceived importance of health. It has been suggested that people SEP disproportionately face daily hassles, as result which may be less important for those compared to high SEP. likely influences health-related behaviours affect outcomes. This study examines whether inequalities in self-assessed are mediated by hassles and/or the health, there sequential mediation cross-sectional survey was conducted 2019 among N = 1,334 Dutch adults. Participants rated extent eleven commonly experienced (e.g., financial legal issues), indicated two domains (not being ill, living long life). Inequalities according (indicated income education) were examined using structural equation modelling, not ill or life either single mediators. Daily individually relationship between but did mediate association Socioeconomic explained experience differences individually, explain influence hassles. Addressing challenging circumstances housing hassles) SEP, contribute improving Further research should examine how Key messages There no