Socioeconomic inequalities in physical function decline: multilevel longitudinal results from the HABITAT study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Australia's population is aging, increasing the need for maintained independence and mobility in older adults.
• Physical function is crucial for independence and mobility in the elderly population.
• Socioeconomic factors significantly influence health outcomes, including physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and physical function in Australian adults.
• To examine changes in physical function over time in relation to socioeconomic status.
• To identify disparities in physical function based on education, occupation, income, and neighborhood disadvantage.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the HABITAT study, a multilevel longitudinal study in Brisbane, Australia.
• Included 1,186 men and 1,673 women aged 40-65 at baseline.
• Employed multilevel linear regression to analyze self-reported physical function (Short-Form 36) and socioeconomic data, including neighborhood disadvantage.

Main Results:

• Graded inequalities in physical function were observed across all socioeconomic indicators.
• Individuals with lower education, income, and those in disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibited lower physical function.
• A mean reduction in physical function scores was noted over three years, but inequalities did not widen between socioeconomic groups.

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic status is associated with physical function levels in Australian adults.
• While inequalities in physical function exist, the rate of decline did not significantly differ across socioeconomic groups over the study period.
• Future research should incorporate objective measures to better assess physical function in aging populations.