Social and economic conditions in childhood and the progression of functional health problems from midlife into old age

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood living conditions have been found to predict health and mortality in midlife and in old age. This study examines the associations between social and economic childhood conditions and the onset and progression of functional health problems from midlife into old age, and the extent to which potential associations are mediated by educational attainment and smoking.MethodsData from the Level of Living Survey and the Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old were merged to create a longitudinal data set with five repeated measures from 1968 to 2004 (n=1765, aged 30–50 years and free from functional health problems at baseline). Multilevel regression models were used to analyse retrospective reports of social and economic conditions in childhood (eg, conflicts or economic problems in the family) in relation to the progression of functional health problems over the 36-year period.ResultsResults showed that social and economic disadvantages in childhood were associated with an earlier onset and a faster progression of functional health problems from midlife into old age. Subsequent models showed that differences in educational attainment, but not smoking, explained much of the association between childhood disadvantages and trajectories of functional health problems.ConclusionsAccording to these results, adverse social and economic conditions in childhood affect the development of functional health problems from midlife into old age indirectly through less favourable life careers, including lower education. Creating equal opportunities for educational attainment may help reduce the long-term effects of disadvantaged childhood conditions and postpone functional health problems.

Children in nonparental care: health and social risks

“…Consistently across studies, results indicate that growing up in impoverished environments is detrimental (19,20). This includes premature mortality (20), worse cardiovascular health (21), declines in mental health (22), increased mobility impairments (23), and poor immune system function (24). The pathways linking poverty to adult health have been described and involve biological (e.g., physiological impact of poverty) and behavioral (e.g., engaging in negative health behaviors such as smoking) factors (19,20,(24)(25)(26)(27)(28).…”

Childhood living conditions, education and health among the oldest old in Sweden

“…The participants were asked questions about four economic and social childhood living conditions during the first 16 years of their lives. The included childhood living conditions were selected on the basis of prior literature (Agahi, Shaw and Fors 2014; Fors, Lennartsson and Lundberg 2009; Lundberg 1993; Wadsworth 1997; Wamala, Lynch and Kaplan 2001). Each indicator was coded in a dichotomous form, reflecting adversities during childhood.…”

“…2006). Agahi, Shaw and Fors (2014) found social and economic conditions in childhood to be associated with earlier onset and faster progression of functional health problems such as mobility limitations in mid-life and old age.…”

Intergenerational educational mobility and health satisfaction across the life course: Does the long arm of childhood conditions only become visible later in life?

“…Most available research on 21 the impact of childhood SES suggests that childhood conditions matter a great deal for adult health. Children of 22 parents at a low SES are at a higher risk of an earlier onset and a faster progression of functional health problems 23 in later life (Agahi et al, 2014) and of developing and dying from adult cardiovascular disease (Blackmore and 24 Ozanne, 2015; Galobardes et al, 2006; Poulton et al, 2002). The mortality risk from some cancers is also higher among those of lower SES in childhood (Galobardes et al, 2008).…”