Sociodemographic and behavioral covariates The current study restricted analyses to individuals 18 years or older ( N=189,896). A more detailed description of the NSDUH sampling and data collection procedures are documented in greater detail elsewhere ( Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2011). Computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) methodology is used to increase the likelihood of valid respondent reports of health-related behaviors and conditions ( Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2011). It utilizes multistage area probability sampling methods to select a representative sample of the US civilian, non-institutionalized population aged 12 years or older for participation in the study. The NSDUH provides population estimates of substance use and health behaviors in the US general population. This study is based on public-use data collected each year between 20 as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2011). We estimate our models while taking into account the influence of numerous covariates that may confound the relationship between dropping out of school and aforementioned chronic health conditions. The magnitude of these associations is estimated in a nationally representative sample of nearly 200,000 Americans. We also comparatively explore these effects among Caucasian, African- American and Latino dropouts by stratifying our regression models. In the present investigation we hypothesize that persons who dropped out of school will be at a higher probability of reporting these major chronic health conditions compared to non-dropouts. Further, it may be that the association can be accounted for by covariates such as household income, race, or alcohol or drug abuse and thus be spurious. Examining health disparities between these groups in relation to high school completion may shed additional light on factors contributing to health disparities and provide avenues for prevention and intervention.ĭespite the links between education and health, it is not entirely clear to what extent dropping out of school is associated with major chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, hepatitis, and stroke. Moreover, high school dropout rates are substantially higher among African-Americans and Latinos compared to Caucasians and Asians ( Belfield and Levin 2007 Heckman and LaFontaine 2010). This is noteworthy since graduating from high school is a pathway to college and ultimately to higher income and better health. However, little research has accrued on the relationship between dropping out of school and specific chronic health conditions, especially in population-based samples. Even though the precise causal paths have not been fully elucidated, studies on the effects of compulsory schooling laws indicate that those who complete high school report better overall health and well-being ( Orepoulos 2007). In turn, these factors increase the probability of developing a chronic health disorder. 2010) and poor eating and exercise habits ( James et al. Simply stated, dropping out of school results in reduced life chances such as employment instability ( Day and Newburger 2002), disease risk ( Muennig et al. Conversely, lower levels of education have been linked to poor health in prior investigations ( Lantz et al. Persons with higher educational levels enjoy greater income which facilitates access to safer neighborhoods, healthier food choices, exercise and weight control, health information, stable medical insurance, and reduced mortality ( Crimmins and Saito 2001 Lleras-Muney 2005 Molla et al. High levels of educational attainment are associated with healthy lifestyles.
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