Income-related inequality in health and health-related behaviour: exploring the equalisation hypothesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have found the socioeconomic gradient in health among adolescents to be lower than that observed during childhood and adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine income-related inequalities in health and health-related behaviour across the lifespan in England to explore 'equalisation' in adolescence.

Methods

We used five years of data (2006-2010) from the Health Survey for England to explore inequalities in six indicators: self-assessed general health, longstanding illness, limiting longstanding illness, psychosocial wellbeing, obesity and smoking status. We ran separate analyses by age/gender groups. Inequality was measured using concentration indices.

Results

Our findings for longstanding illnesses, psychosocial wellbeing and obesity

SUBMITTER: Vallejo-Torres L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4112435 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature