Increasing Rate of Psychological Distress in Urban Households: How Does Income Matter?

Numerous studies suggest 'social gradient' in health, but it is less clear whether every step up the socio-economic ladder improves health by the same degree. Based on 4326 households, the present study examines the relationship between household income and psychological distress while identifying specific risk factor in different income groups. Overall, 26.5% of sampled households were reported for being distressed. Work pressure (OR 2.0, p < 0.01) and reducing time for family/friends (OR 1.79, p < 0.01) in high-income group; overcrowding (OR 3.1, p < 0.001), lacking drinking water (OR 2.27, p < 0.001) and indoor noise pollution (OR 1.76, p < 0.001) in low income group and overcrowding (OR 3.1, p < 0.001), lacking affordable health care (OR 2.58, p < 0.001), and indoor noise pollution (OR 1.6, p < 0.001) in medium income group were significant predictors of psychological distress. People in lower income group are at greater risk of becoming distressed, but the higher income is not always the guarantor of psychological well-being.