Impact of social isolation on mental health changes by socio-economic status: A moderated mediation analysis among non-migrant, migrant, and refugee subpopulations in Germany, 2016-2020.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Populations experiencing precarity face heightened mental health inequities, especially during crises. In this regard, it is established that socio-economic status (SES) and social isolation are critical factors influencing mental health outcomes, which interact syndemically. Understanding their interrelated mechanisms is crucial for developing effective public health strategies to support populations experiencing precarity in future crises.

Methods

Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (2016-2020) were analysed in a longitudinal design. A moderated mediation analysis examined the effect of SES on mental health (PHQ4) prior to and during the pandemic, with social isolation change as mediator and migration status as moderator, distinguishing non-migrant (n = 38

SUBMITTER: Touzel V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12182342 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature