Explaining inequalities in quality of life: a longitudinal study of health disparities in Norway

Abstract

Purpose: Studies of health inequalities often examine the association between a single health indicator and a single socioeconomic indicator. Recent research has increasingly explored social disparities in self-reported quality of life. However, most evidences are based on cross-sectional survey and the role of health behaviours is frequently overlooked in these analyses. This study aims to integrate broader sets of socioeconomic and behavioural variables to better explain health disparities that emerge in later adulthood. Methods: Using longitudinal data from the Norwegian population-based Tromsø Study, we followed 11,313 adults aged 25–54 at baseline over 21 years. A series of self-reporte..