Decomposition of inequality determinants of stressful events in Tehran; Oaxaca-Blinder analysis

Purpose Social determinants of stressful events (SE) play an important role in justifying the cause of inequality in the experience of SE. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants that impact on inequality in the experience of SE. Design/methodology/approach The statistical population of this study includes all residents of Tehran. The statistical sample was 5,895 people who were selected by multistage cluster method and were proportional to the population size. The research tool is a researcher-made questionnaire designed to measure SE in Tehran, which includes 11 psychological stressors. The Oaxaca-Blinder decomposing method was used to analyze data. Findings In a total of 11 psychological SE, in 6 of those events, there was significant inequality in the experience of SE. Concentration Index (CI) of political SE is (CI = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.47, -0.07) and in favor of the rich (pro-rich). Education (OR = 1.60) in poor group and region development in poor and rich (respectively in all of the following) (OR = 0.42-0.73) are the main determinants of inequality in this stressor. CI of neighborhood underdevelopment SE is (CI = -0.47, 95% CI: 0.66, -0.28) and pro-rich. Education (OR = 1.26-1.27) and region development (OR = 1.18-2.24) are the main determinants of inequality in this stressor. CI of livelihood problems SE is (CI = -0.58, 95% CI: 0.68, -0.32) and pro-rich. Education (OR = 1.40) and health status (OR = 1.63) in poor group are the main determinants of inequality in this stressor. CI of future uncertainty SE is (CI = -0.12, 95% CI: 0.34, -0.08) and pro-rich. Gender (OR = 1.22) in poor group and region development (OR = 0.24-0.58) are the main determinants of inequality in this stressor. CI of education problems (CI = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.32) and pro-poor. Age (OR = 0.32-0.34) and education (OR = 3.65-3.30) are the main determinants of inequality in this stressor. CI of housing problems is (CI = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.49, -0.08) and pro-rich. Education (OR = 1.31) and region development (OR = 1.64) in poor group are the main determinants of inequality in this stressor. Research limitations/implications The first limitation is related to the level of data analysis, and the second limitation is the lack of comprehensive data on social determinants. Practical implications Social determinants affecting the formation of inequality in the experience of SE. Some social determinants, such as the level of education and development of the region, play a more prominent role in justifying inequality in the experience of stress between rich and poor groups. Social implications Inequality in the experience of SE is a serious threat to mental and social health. One of the ways to reduce the experience of psychological and social stress is to pay attention to social determinants that play a role in the formation of stress. Originality/value This original paper was conducted by examining the effect of social determinants on the formation of inequality in the experience of stress, which draws the serious attention of policymakers.