Ethnic and racial social identity, socioeconomic position, and women's bladder health

To inform policies and programs designed to prevent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and promote bladder health among different social groups, this research utilized RISE FOR HEALTH data to examine potential health inequities in LUTS and bladder health by different indices of socioeconomic position, as well as ethnic and racial social identity. Data were collected in 2022–2023 from 3322 adult women from nine regions of the United States. Higher socioeconomic position—regardless of whether it was measured as education, percent federal poverty level, or health insurance coverage and type—was associated with fewer, less frequent LUTS and better bladder health independent of ethnic and racial identity. These findings are consistent with the broader literature on LUTS, while also extending this literature to encompass different facets of bladder health, including perceived impact of bladder health status on social and occupational activities, physical activity, travel, and emotions. Poorer bladder health among women of Hispanic ethnic identity relative to Non-Hispanic White women appeared to be largely driven by socioeconomic disadvantage. Independent of socioeconomic position, women who identified as Non-Hispanic Black or Non-Hispanic Asian reported better bladder health relative to Non-Hispanic White women. Future qualitative research may be useful in identifying health promoting attitudes, behavioral habits, and intergenerational messages about caring for the bladder that can be incorporated into health promotion programs tailored to women's ethnic and racial identity, as well as universal programs. Consistent with the World Health Organization's Conceptual Framework for Action on Social Determinants of Health (Solar and Irwin, 2010), findings highlight the importance of policies that ensure equitable access to health promoting resources, including education, poverty-alleviating assistance, and high-quality health care. Reference: Solar, O., & Irwin, A. (2010). A conceptual framework for action on the social determinants of health. Social Determinants of Health Discussion Paper 2 (Policy and Practice). https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241500852.