Socioeconomic status is not associated with health-related quality of life in a group of overweight middle-aged men

Abstract

Socioeconomic status is a known determinant of health. In secondary data analyses, we assessed whether socioeconomic status affected health-related quality of life in a group of overweight (body mass index 25–30 kg/m2) middle-aged (45.9 ± 5.4 years) men, recruited in Auckland (New Zealand). Health-related quality of life was assessed with SF-36v2 three times: at baseline, and 12 and 30 weeks later. Socioeconomic status was determined by geo-coded deprivation scores derived from current address using the New Zealand Index of Deprivation 2006 (NZDep2006), as well as capital value of residence. Univariable and multivariable analyses showed no associations between measures of socioeconomic status and any mental or physical health domains. Our findings may reflect the fact that these men are not currently experiencing comorbidities associated with overweight.