Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Women’s Healthcare: Factors, Clinical Stressors, Disease Conditions, and Solutions

This study explores the relationship between income inequality and health issues among women aged 20 years and older, highlighting the intersectionality of gender and income disparities. Women face unique challenges shaped by socioeconomic factors such as education, employment, and gender roles, which impact their health outcomes. In this study, we access the link between the poverty-to-income ratio (PIR) and five common health issues among US women: (1) obesity, (2) hypertension, (3) diabetes, (4) depression, and (5) clinical stress (measured by allostatic load). Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2016) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression. The Lorenz curve analyzed income inequality distribution among women with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and high allostatic load, including 22,650 participants from diverse racial backgrounds. The findings showed that women in lower PIR groups had higher prevalence rates for obesity, diabetes, depression, and elevated stress compared to those in higher PIR groups, indicating a clear link between income inequality and health issues. This study emphasizes the need to address poverty and income inequality as key drivers of poor health outcomes in women, advocating for policies that promote economic equity to improve health.