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Social, Economic, and Ethico-Political Determinants of Psychosomatic Health Disparities: Equity and Fairness Under COVID-19 in Japan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study examined how social, economic, and political factors influenced psychological and physical health disparity in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Using survey data from three surveys from 2020 to 2021, we identified significant associations between well-being and biological, economic, social, and ethico-political dimensions. RESULTS: Key findings suggest that not only biological factors, but also social, economic, and political factors are essential for the psychosomatic health disparities in static and dynamic analysis. DISCUSSION: This paper proposes the term psychosomatic health by proving the correlation between physical and psychological health disparities. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, communitarian intervention, the multi-dimensional and integrated policy that addresses not only economic needs but also social and political equity/fairness, is required.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13121362

Authors: Masaya Kobayashi, Hikari Ishido, Jiro Mizushima, Hirotaka Ishikawa

Institution: Chiba University

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258