Abstract
Background
This study analyzes health inequalities among older adults in Spain by adopting a
conceptual framework that globally considers two dimensions of health determinants
(gender and the socioeconomic development of the region of residence) and the mediating
influence of social support, taking into account individual socioeconomic position.
Methods
Data came from the 2006 Spanish National Health Interview Survey. A subsample of people
aged 65 to 85 years with no paid work living in two socioeconomically developed regions
situated in the north of Spain and in two less developed ones situated in the south
was selected. The health outcomes analyzed were self-rated health status and poor
mental health status. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted and covariates
(age, socioeconomic position, household type, and social support) were added in subsequent
steps.
Findings
Self-rated health status among older adults was poorer in the less socioeconomically
developed regions, but especially among women, whereas the poorest mental health status
was found in one of the most socioeconomically developed regions, especially for men.
Social support was an important determinant of health status, regardless of the socioeconomic
development of the region. Gender inequalities in health did not differ by regional
socioeconomic development with one exception regarding poor self-rated health.
Conclusion
These results show the importance of implementing stronger gender equity policies,
as well as reducing socioeconomic inequalities among regions and strengthen social
support among older adults.
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Biography
Silvia Rueda has a PhD in Social and Political Sciences and a master’s degree in Public and Social Policies. She leads the health area of the DEP Institute, a sociological research center. Her areas of research expertise include health inequalities, health policies and evaluation of public policies.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 8,
2012
Received in revised form:
July 8,
2012
Received:
January 31,
2012
Footnotes
Partially funded by CIBER Epidemiología and Salud Pública and by the Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo - Observatorio de Salud de la Mujer, Dirección General de la Agencia de Calidad - y Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación - Instituto de Salud Carlos III.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
