Numerous studies have consistently indicated that individuals with higher levels of education tend to be healthier. However, the exact reasons behind this correlation remain somewhat unclear.
It is possible that individuals with higher levels of education tend to adopt healthier lifestyles, pursue less risky occupations, and possess greater resources to maintain their well-being.
Conversely, it is also possible that individuals who begin life with poor health face additional challenges in attaining higher education.
Research on the impact of education on health has yielded mixed results. While some studies demonstrate a positive effect, suggesting that education improves health, others fail to establish a direct relationship.
In addition, the results can vary depending on factors such as the methodology used to measure health, gender, or age group.
To gain a deeper understanding of the link between education and health, this latest LISER study moves beyond the simple comparison of average health statuses among different populations.
Instead, it focuses on examining disparities in health outcomes between individuals with varying levels of education along the entire health distribution curve. In other words, the study investigates the differences in health associated with education across the full spectrum of individuals, ranging from those with severe illnesses to those enjoying excellent health.
Analysing data from the SHARE survey encompassing several European countries, the study reveals that, overall, individuals with higher education are healthier than those with lower levels of education along the health distribution curve.
However, the extent of the health gap between the two education sub-groups varies based on their position in the distribution. The gap is narrower when comparing individuals in better health and wider when comparing those who are dealing with more severe health issues.
Regarding the underlying mechanisms contributing to the health gap between the least educated and the most educated, the analyses indicate that employment, physical activity, and parental education are the significant factors explaining this gap.
Specifically, the study finds that individuals with lower levels of education are more likely to have jobs with unfavourable conditions, engage in physical activity less frequently, and come from families with lower levels of education.
These characteristics associated with poorer health are more prevalent among the less-educated group, thus contributing to the health differential that favours individuals with higher education.
