Associations of schooling type, qualification type and subsequent health in mid-adulthood: evidence from the 1970 British Cohort Study

Abstract

BackgroundEducation is thought to benefit health. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on educational attainment—the type of institution attended has been overlooked, despite being an important indicator of education resources, quality, and future socioeconomic outcomes. In this study, we investigated associations between type of high school or university attended and multiple adult health outcomes.MethodsThe 1970 British Cohort Study was used (n=8107). Associations between high school (comprehensive, grammar, private) and university (classified as normal or higher status (Russell Group)) attended with 10 health outcomes that capture cardiometabolic risks, physical capabilities and cognitive function at age 46 years were investigated. Multivariable regression models were used, adjusting for sex and childhood socioeconomic, health and cognitive factors.ResultsBoth private school and higher-status university attendance were related to favourable health outcomes. After adjusting for potential confounders, associations between private school attendance and cardiometabolic risks remained; associations for higher-status university attendance and cognitive function remained, while associations with other outcomes were largely attenuated. For example, after full adjustment, private school attendance was associated with a 0.14 SD (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.23) lower body mass index and higher-status university attendance with a 0.16 SD (0.07 to 0.26) better memory recall.ConclusionThe type of educational institution attended was associated with multiple health outcomes, suggesting it might be a relevant factor to consider in future health inequality research—particularly in contemporary populations which have high overall attainment levels. Further research is warranted to test the causal nature of this relationship and its generalisability to other contexts.