title: Health risk perceptions as mediators of socioeconomic differentials in health behaviour.
abstract: Differentials in health status and behaviour by socioeconomic status (SES) constitute a scientific and policy challenge. In this article, data from a national survey on Canadians' perceptions of population health risks were analysed to determine whether various types of health risk perceptions mediated SES differentials in health behaviour. As expected, health behaviours and risk perceptions both varied with SES. Results suggested a mediating role of health risk perceptions-particularly those of a social nature-in the association between SES and smoking. Findings underscore the importance of improving the social environment to fostering better lifestyle and health among disadvantaged individuals.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada. jeclee@tricolour.queensu.ca
authors.forename: Jennifer E C
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lemyre
authors.forename: Michelle C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Orpana
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Krewski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010465:Perception; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D012923:Social Class; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors