The impact of ethnicity, place of residence and socioeconomic status on health-related quality of life: results from a Greek health survey

The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on health previously studied demonstrates that low SES relates to lower health. In Greece, related studies are limited and focused on native population. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of residence, ethnicity and SES on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The study was carried out in Thessaly using a sample of 1,372 individuals (18+ years old, response rate 91.4%) via face-to-face interview. Multiple stepwise linear regression analyses were performed investigating the impact of the above factors on HRQoL, measured by SF-36. Interaction effects between socioeconomic and demographic variables were performed. Disadvantage of SES, i.e. primary education and low income, was associated with impaired HRQoL in physical and mental health. Albanians reported better HRQoL compared to Greeks but after controlling for SES factors health disparities became insignificant. Rural residents were related to better general and mental health. SES is an independent predictor of HRQoL, but ethnicity and place of residence had weak impact. Investigating the underline mechanisms that impair HRQoL, so as to take policies that will elucidate the risk of poor health in disadvantage groups, is important.