Health equity advocates are buzzing over today’s publication of the findings of a new study by York University finding that high inflation rates are causing greater stress for certain socioeconomic groups, exacerbating health inequities particularly among historically underrepresented and marginalized populations.
The study analyzed data from the U.S. Household Pulse Survey and found that, among other key results, women are more affected by inflation stress than men, as well as those who are socioeconomically vulnerable.
Likewise, Black and Hispanic individuals reported higher inflation stress than White individuals, while Asians reported lower inflation stress. Education and income also played a role, with higher levels of both being associated with lower inflation stress.
Individuals who previously were married but are now widowed, divorced, or separated experienced greater levels of inflation stress compared to those who were currently married.
Middle-aged groups were found to have higher levels of inflation stress compared to those who were younger or older.
The study highlights the necessity for further research and improved policies to tackle the health inequalities resulting from the disproportionate impact of inflation stress on specific population groups.
The findings were published in the American Medical Association’s open access journal JAMA Network Open and can be read in full here.
