مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Socio-economic health disparities among 25 and over years old population in Cankaya district in Ankara

Abstract :

Aim: This study aims to establish the magnitude of health disparities in Çankaya, a well-developed district of Ankara, Turkey. Relations between different socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and the health indicators are also investigated.Material and Methods: A representative sample of 25 and over years-old inhabitants of Çankaya District was interviewed in the survey. SES of individuals was measured in terms of income, education and occupation. Health status of the subjects were based on self-reports and measured by MOS SF-36 questionnaire. Perceived health status, number of long-standing illness and short term symptoms were also collected. Risk Ratio (RR), Risk Difference (RD) and Population Attributable Risk (in relative and absolute terms -%PAR and PAR) measures were used to define the socioeconomic health disparities.Results:There are statistically significant health disparities between SES groups in Çankaya District. For self reported “perceived health less than good” between educational groups, disparity measures are 2.28 for RR, 30.8 for RD, 30.2 for %PAR and 10.4 for PAR (absolute value for per hundred). Health disparities insist on almost in all measurements among all SES and health indicators. Education is found the most related SES indicator with the health status indicators. Education has also a higher correlation with income and prestige measures than those two measures have between each other.Conclusion:Health disparities among socioeconomic groups should be measured and monitored nationwide.Education may be a practical SES indicator that can be used in all health researches to raise awareness on inequalities in health topic.