Abstract
Objectives:
Based on the theoretical and empirical approach of Pierre Bourdieu, a multivariate non-linear method is introduced as an alternative way to analyse the complex relationships between social determinants and health.
Methods:
The analysis is based on face-to-face interviews with 695 randomly selected respondents aged 30 to 59. Variables regarding socio-economic status, life circumstances, lifestyles, health-related behaviour and health were chosen for the analysis. In order to determine whether the respondents can be differentiated and described based on these variables, a non-linear canonical correlation analysis (OVERALS) was performed.
Results:
The results can be described on three dimensions; Eigenvalues add up to the fit of 1.444, which can be interpreted as approximately 50 % of explained variance. The three-dimensional space illustrates correspondences between variables and provides a framework for interpretation based on latent dimensions, which can be described by age, education, income and gender.
Conclusion:
Using non-linear canonical correlation analysis, health characteristics can be analysed in conjunction with socio-economic conditions and lifestyles. Based on Bourdieus theoretical approach, the complex correlations between these variables can be more substantially interpreted and presented.
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Submitted: 20 February 2008; revised: 14 November 2008, 25 March 2009; accepted: 03 April 2009
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Frie, K.G., Janssen, C. Social inequality, lifestyles and health – a non-linear canonical correlation analysis based on the approach of Pierre Bourdieu. Int J Public Health 54, 213–221 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-8017-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-8017-5