A county-level analysis of unemployment and mental health in the Southeastern U.S.: applying a social determinants of health framework

ABSTRACT

Informed by a Social Determinants of Health framework, this study examines associations between county-level unemployment rates and two county-level indicators of mental health challenges. With 2017 data from County Health Rankings, the study focuses on 418 counties in the southeastern U.S., a region with longstanding unmet service needs and ongoing mental health care challenges. Linear regression models show positive associations between unemployment and two county-level indicators of mental health challenges, while accounting for multiple social determinants of health. The study illustrates how county-level analysis can help social workers target mental health needs and increase access to care.

KEYWORDS:

• Unemployment
• mental health
• U.S. Southeast
• service access
• county-level analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).