Q2. What future works have the authors mentioned in the paper "The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: a systematic review and meta-analysis" ?
This area needs further research, however it suggests, at an epidemiological level, that recent increases in personal debt in the UK ( Credit Action, 2013 ), may only impact mental health if they lead to an increase in stress and worry about debt. The specific mechanisms by which debt is related to health are therefore key to examine in further research in order to develop preventative interventions both to ensure that those with poor health are not at greater risk of problem debt, and that those in debt are not at a greater risk of developing mental health problems. Only three databases were searched, though the relatively small number of papers found via a hand and cited-by search suggest that the search was comprehensive. Nonetheless this review suggests that personal unsecured debt is related to health, and is therefore important to consider by health professionals.
Q3. What is the main problem with the current research?
The main problem with the current research is that the vast majorityof studies are cross-sectional, meaning that causality cannot be established.
Q4. What were the specific populations included in the study?
The specificpopulations included studies with health service users (n=8), parents (n=2), ethnic minorities(n=4), farmers (n=2), older adults (n=4) and problem gamblers (n=2).
Q5. What were the main findings of the US studies?
The US studies also tended to focus on other health riskbehaviours, such as unprotected sex and drink-driving, and also focused on credit card debtspecifically.
Q6. What criteria were used to exclude papers?
Papers were not excluded on the basis of year of publication, study design,measures used, participant characteristics or sample size.
Q7. What is the significance of the odds ratios?
Odds ratios demonstrate more than athree-fold risk of a mental disorder in those with debt, or alternatively a three-fold risk ofdebt in those with a mental disorder.
Q8. What changes have been made to the Method, Search Procedure?
In the Method, Search Procedure the authors have changed „Classes‟ into „Classed‟ - In Appendix B (Characteristics of Panel Surveys) the authors have added „years‟ to 4-6.
Q9. How many studies found an effect for worry about debt rather than debt per se?
Three studies found an effect for worry aboutdebt rather than debt per se, whilst two found that financial strain rather than debt was relatedto health.