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‘A gendered family affair’? Examining the role of partners', parents', and parents-in-law's education in preventive healthcare use among older men and women

Author

Listed:
  • Delaruelle, Katrijn
  • Jolidon, Vladimir
  • Wagner, Cornelia
  • Cullati, Stéphane
  • Burton-Jeangros, Claudine
  • van der Linden, Bernadette W.A.
  • Toma, Sorana
  • Bracke, Piet

Abstract

This study aims to extend the body of research on educational inequalities in preventive healthcare practices among older adults, and their intergenerational reproduction, by investigating the role of family spillovers. Beyond the influence of individuals' own education, we examine how partner's, parents', and parents-in-law's educational attainment relate to participation in colorectal cancer screening and flu vaccination, with particular attention to potential gender differences. Using data from Wave 9 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), and leveraging its within-household design (Ncolorectal men = 12,646, Ncolorectal women = 14,021, Nflu men = 14,771, Nflu women = 13,110; age rangecolorectal = 50-75, age rangeflu = 50-99), we particularly observe robust family spillover effects for flu vaccination. Having a higher-educated partner is associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination for both men and women. Additionally, for women, having middle- or higher-educated parents is linked to higher flu vaccination uptake, whereas for men, having middle-educated parents-in-law shows the strongest association with participation in seasonal flu vaccination. Overall, these findings provide a foundation for future research on family spillover effects, highlighting the role of the female lineage in shaping intergenerational patterns of flu vaccination, a preventive healthcare practice with collective benefits, including at the family level.

Suggested Citation

  • Delaruelle, Katrijn & Jolidon, Vladimir & Wagner, Cornelia & Cullati, Stéphane & Burton-Jeangros, Claudine & van der Linden, Bernadette W.A. & Toma, Sorana & Bracke, Piet, 2026. "‘A gendered family affair’? Examining the role of partners', parents', and parents-in-law's education in preventive healthcare use among older men and women," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 400(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:400:y:2026:i:c:s0277953626003370
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119261
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