biostudies-literatureLeao TNIA NIH HHSNIH756-763https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6927867biostudies-literatureUnknown40(4)<h4>Background</h4>Inequalities in the distribution of self-reported health (SRH) have been widely reported. Its higher expressivity among women, elderly and least educated groups has been partly attributed to differences in their health perceptions. However, this subjectivity may be masking the burden of mental illness in these groups. Thus, we sought to understand if depression symptoms mediate inequalities in SRH.<h4>Methods</h4>SHARE waves 4 and 6, pertaining to Spain, Italy and Portugal, were used (n2011 = 8517, n2015 = 11 046). Inequalities in SRH were calculated, comparing the risk amongst education level, gender and age groups, adjusting for chronic diseases, functional limitations and country fixed effects. We then tested depression symptoms as mediators.<h4>Results</h4>DepressionJournal of public health (Oxford, England)Depression symptoms as mediators of inequalities in self-reported health: the case of Southern European elderly.PMC6927867R21 AG025169P01 AG005842Leao TPerelman JfalseDepression symptoms as mediators of inequalities in self-reported health: the case of Southern European elderly.<h4>Background</h4>Inequalities in the distribution of self-reported health (SRH) have been widely reported. Its higher expressivity among women, elderly and least educated groups has been partly attributed to differences in their health perceptions. However, this subjectivity may be masking the burden of mental illness in these groups. Thus, we sought to understand if depression symptoms mediate inequalities in SRH.<h4>Methods</h4>SHARE waves 4 and 6, pertaining to Spain, Italy and Portugal, were used (n2011 = 8517, n2015 = 11 046). Inequalities in SRH were calculated, comparing the risk amongst education level, gender and age groups, adjusting for chronic diseases, functional limitations and country fixed effects. We then tested depression symptoms as mediators.<h4>Results</h4>Depression2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Dec2026-04-14T13:08:27.327Z2026-04-07T13:42:29.963ZS-EPMC69278672929406010.1093/pubmed/fdx173