Exploring the role of discretionary income as a social determinant of health.

OBJECTIVE

The object of this study is to explore the impact of discretionary income on the overall well-being of Americans.

DATA SOURCE

The data source used for this study was 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data comprising 12 states that used the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) module.

STUDY DESIGN

Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between discretionary income and self-reported health status after adjusting for common SDOH measures, sociodemographic factors, chronic conditions, and perspectives and experiences of respondents regarding specific aspects of their health. Average marginal effects (AME) were reported.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Not applicable.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

At all income levels, those with discretionary income at the end of the month were 6-7 percentage points more likely to report better than average health than those with none, controlling for other factors (AME: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.12).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that discretionary income has a role to play in overall health and well-being that goes beyond that of disposable income and may be an important resource for diverse communities.