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Socioeconomic Status and Health Communication Inequalities in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

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  • Yoshiki Ishikawa
  • Hiromu Nishiuchi
  • Hana Hayashi
  • Kasisomayajula Viswanath

Abstract

Background: Considerable evidence suggests that communication inequality is one potential mechanism linking social determinants, particularly socioeconomic status, and health inequalities. This study aimed to examine how dimensions of health communication outcomes (health information seeking, self-efficacy, exposure, and trust) are patterned by socioeconomic status in Japan. Methods: Data of a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 2,455 people aged 15–75 years in Japan were used for secondary analysis. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, subjective health, recent health information seeking, self-efficacy in seeking health information, and exposure to and trust in health information from different media. Results: A total of 1,311 participants completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 53.6%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that education and household income, but not employment, were significantly associated with health information seeking and self-efficacy. Socioeconomic status was not associated with exposure to and trust in health information from mass media, but was significantly associated with health information from healthcare providers and the Internet. Conclusion: Health communication outcomes were patterned by socioeconomic status in Japan thus demonstrating the prevalence of health communication inequalities. Providing customized exposure to and enhancing the quality of health information by considering social determinants may contribute to addressing social disparities in health in Japan.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoshiki Ishikawa & Hiromu Nishiuchi & Hana Hayashi & Kasisomayajula Viswanath, 2012. "Socioeconomic Status and Health Communication Inequalities in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0040664
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040664
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kasisomayajula Viswanath & Leland K Ackerson, 2011. "Race, Ethnicity, Language, Social Class, and Health Communication Inequalities: A Nationally-Representative Cross-Sectional Study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(1), pages 1-8, January.
    2. Kagamimori, Sadanobu & Gaina, Alexandru & Nasermoaddeli, Ali, 2009. "Socioeconomic status and health in the Japanese population," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(12), pages 2152-2160, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yasuo Imanishi & Shingo Fukuma & Angelo Karaboyas & Bruce M Robinson & Ronald L Pisoni & Takanobu Nomura & Takashi Akiba & Tadao Akizawa & Kiyoshi Kurokawa & Akira Saito & Shunichi Fukuhara & Masaaki , 2017. "Associations of employment status and educational levels with mortality and hospitalization in the dialysis outcomes and practice patterns study in Japan," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(3), pages 1-11, March.
    2. Sato, Koryu & Viswanath, Kasisomayajula & Hayashi, Hana & Ishikawa, Yoshiki & Kondo, Katsunori & Shirai, Kokoro & Kondo, Naoki & Nakagawa, Keisuke & Kawachi, Ichiro, 2019. "Association between exposure to health information and mortality: Reduced mortality among women exposed to information via TV programs," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 221(C), pages 124-131.
    3. Man Ping Wang & Xin Wang & Tai Hing Lam & Kasisomayajula Viswanath & Sophia S Chan, 2013. "Health Information Seeking Partially Mediated the Association between Socioeconomic Status and Self-Rated Health among Hong Kong Chinese," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(12), pages 1-7, December.
    4. Li, LiLi & Zeng, Yiwu & Zhang, Zhonggen, 2020. "Impact of Internet use on Health outcomes of Rural Residents: Evidence from China," 2020 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City, Missouri 304177, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    5. Man Ping Wang & Kasisomayajula Viswanath & Tai Hing Lam & Xin Wang & Sophia S Chan, 2013. "Social Determinants of Health Information Seeking among Chinese Adults in Hong Kong," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(8), pages 1-7, August.
    6. Yong-Bing Liu & Liu Liu & Yan-Fei Li & Yan-Li Chen, 2015. "Relationship between Health Literacy, Health-Related Behaviors and Health Status: A Survey of Elderly Chinese," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-12, August.

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