Intersecting Paths to Health: A Factor Analysis Approach to Socioeconomic and Environmental Determinants in Indiana
Siavash Ghorbany1, Ming Hu1,2, Siyuan Yao3
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Public health challenges are influenced by demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and improving healthcare access are crucial for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
Background:
- Public health is vital for societal well-being and national development.
- Despite significant investment in the US health sector, public health faces challenges due to unknown influential variables.
- Understanding these variables is critical for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate influential variables on public health from demographic, built environment, socioeconomic, and environmental factors.
- To analyze the impact of these variables on 30 major health issues.
- To identify key factors driving public health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory factor analysis
- Multiple regression analysis
- Data from the state of Indiana
Main Results:
- Health issues and influential factors were categorized into five main factors.
- A key factor identified was 'Health Burdens and Socioeconomic Disparities'.
- Significant associations were found between socioeconomic disparities, poor health outcomes, and environmental exposures.
Conclusions:
- Effective public health interventions must address healthcare access, quality, and broader determinants of health.
- Socioeconomic status, health behaviors, chronic diseases, and environmental factors are intricately related.
- Findings can inform public health policymakers, urban planners, and researchers.
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