Over the limit: the association among health, race and debt

This research responds to the call for more research on the conceptualizati on and measurement of socio-economic status that moves beyond merely consid ering education, occupation and income variables. Credit card usage and cre dit card debt is a growing phenomenon in developed countries. Using data fr om a 1997 representative sample of more than 900 adults in Ohio, we explore d how credit card debt and stress regarding debt is associated with health. We found that both credit card debt and stress regarding debt are associat ed with health. In addition, health behaviors and risks explain part of thi s association. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.