What Are the Mechanisms Linking Income Inequality to Health?

Several mechanisms link income inequality to health outcomes:

Access to Healthcare: Lower-income individuals may lack health insurance or face financial barriers to seeking care.
Living Conditions: Poor housing and neighborhood conditions can increase exposure to environmental hazards and reduce access to health-promoting resources.
Stress: Financial strain can lead to chronic stress, which negatively impacts physical and mental health.
Education: Lower income often correlates with lower educational attainment, which is associated with poorer health literacy and outcomes.