Katrina M Walsemann1, Bethany A Bell, Robert A Hummer. 1. Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. kwalsema@sc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We examined whether attaining a higher educational degree after 25 years of age was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health at midlife than was not attaining a higher educational degree. METHODS: We analyzed data from National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, restricting our sample to respondents who had not attained a bachelor's degree by 25 years of age (n = 7179). We stratified all regression models by highest degree attained by 25 years of age. RESULTS: Among respondents with no degree, a high school diploma, or a post-high school certificate at 25 years of age, attaining at least a bachelor's degree by midlife was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health at midlife compared with respondents who did not attain a higher degree by midlife. Those with an associate's degree at 25 years of age who later attained a bachelor's degree or higher reported better health at midlife. CONCLUSIONS: Attaining at least a bachelor's degree after 25 years of age is associated with better midlife health. Other specifications of educational timing and its health effects across the life course should be studied.
OBJECTIVES: We examined whether attaining a higher educational degree after 25 years of age was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health at midlife than was not attaining a higher educational degree. METHODS: We analyzed data from National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, restricting our sample to respondents who had not attained a bachelor's degree by 25 years of age (n = 7179). We stratified all regression models by highest degree attained by 25 years of age. RESULTS: Among respondents with no degree, a high school diploma, or a post-high school certificate at 25 years of age, attaining at least a bachelor's degree by midlife was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health at midlife compared with respondents who did not attain a higher degree by midlife. Those with an associate's degree at 25 years of age who later attained a bachelor's degree or higher reported better health at midlife. CONCLUSIONS: Attaining at least a bachelor's degree after 25 years of age is associated with better midlife health. Other specifications of educational timing and its health effects across the life course should be studied.
Authors: Anusha M Vable; Catherine dP Duarte; Alison K Cohen; M Maria Glymour; Robert K Ream; Irene H Yen Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2020-11-02 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Jarred J Lobo; Samuel A McLean; Andrew S Tungate; David A Peak; Robert A Swor; Niels K Rathlev; Phyllis L Hendry; Sarah D Linnstaedt Journal: Transl Psychiatry Date: 2021-06-29 Impact factor: 6.222