Income-related inequalities in health: some international comparisons

J Health Econ. 1997 Feb;16(1):93-112. doi: 10.1016/s0167-6296(96)00532-2.

Abstract

This paper presents evidence on income-related inequalities in self-assessed health in nine industrialized countries. Health interview survey data were used to construct concentration curves of self-assessed health, measured as a latent variable. Inequalities in health favoured the higher income groups and were statistically significant in all countries. Inequalities were particularly high in the United States and the United Kingdom. Amongst other European countries, Sweden, Finland and the former East Germany had the lowest inequality. Across countries, a strong association was found between inequalities in health and inequalities in income.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Developed Countries
  • Health Care Rationing / economics*
  • Health Care Rationing / standards
  • Health Policy / economics
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Income*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self-Assessment
  • Social Justice*