Conceptual causal models of socioeconomic status, family structure, family functioning and their role in public health

Abstract

Social determinants of health frameworks are standard tools in public health. These frameworks for the most part omit a crucial factor: the family. Socioeconomic status moreover is a prominent social determinant of health. Insofar as family functioning is poorer in poor families and family structure and functioning are linked to health, it is critical to consider the pathways between these four constructs. In this correspondence, we reflect on how empirical studies of this conceptual nexus mirror two causal models. We conclude by reflecting on future directions for research in this field.

The Impact of Family Socioeconomic Status on Elderly Health in China: Based on the Frailty Index

“…Family socioeconomic status has a positive impact on the health status of the elderly. This result is same to those of other researchers [ 18 , 20 , 21 , 30 ]. Family socioeconomic status reflects the individual’s ability to obtain material and social resources [ 31 ].…”

“…Ghasemi et al found that subjective perception of family socioeconomic status can explain differences in health-related quality of life of low-income people in Iran [ 20 ]. Booysen et al also found that family structure and family socioeconomic status both have an influence on public health [ 21 ]. However, these studies do not clarify how family socioeconomic status affects the comprehensive health status of the elderly.…”

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Proposal for an Ecological Theoretical Model

“…Dysphagia is complex and, although it has been increasingly studied, it is important to remember that modern epidemiology has demonstrated that health transcends understanding the health-disease process at the individual level and seeks to view populations [89]. Society is constantly changing, so professionals must update their knowledge about the theoretical and practical strategies for screening, evaluating, and rehabilitating the population in the most beneficial way [23].…”

“…Another important aspect to consider is culture [89]. Cultural diversity requires an understanding of ethnicity, gender, beliefs, and religious issues, along with socioeconomic conditions [91].…”

Evidencias De Validez De Una Escala De Funcionamiento Familiar en Personas Mayores

“…El funcionamiento familiar posee una estrecha relación con la salud, las experiencias familiares son una de las fuentes más importantes de bienestar o malestar en sus integrantes (Booysen, Botha, & Wouters, 2021;García, et al, 2017). Diversos estudios destacan la influencia del entorno y funcionamiento familiar en la presencia de indicadores de depresión y ansiedad en población joven y adulta (Guan, Wen, Gong, Liang, & Wang, 2014;Dolz-del-Castellar & Oliver, 2021), mientras que, en personas mayores, se ha descrito una relación negativa entre el funcionamiento familiar y depresión (Canjie, Lexin, Weiquan, Ying, & Shengmao, 2017).…”