Decomposition of health inequality by determinants and dimensions

Health Econ. 2007 Jan;16(1):97-102. doi: 10.1002/hec.1145.

Abstract

The study integrates two methodologies so that income-related inequality in general health can be decomposed into contributions from socio-demographic characteristics to each of the dimensions defining general health. It is found that these relative contributions vary substantially across dimensions. For policy purposes such information is valuable as it indicates at which population groups and at which aspects of health efforts to reduce inequalities in health should be targeted.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Finland
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Income*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Econometric
  • Quality of Life*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Socioeconomic Factors