Income inequality and self-perceived health in China during 1991-1997


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4220.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:45 PM

Abstract #110876

Income inequality and self-perceived health in China during 1991-1997

Xiaofei Pei and Eunice Rodriguez. Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, 710 Hasbrouck Apt, Ithaca, NY 14850, 607-253-6553, xp25@cornell.edu

This paper examines the association between provincial-level income inequalities and self-perceived individual health status in China during in 1990s. We analyze data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 1991, 1993 and 1997 using a multi-level regression model suggested by Subramanina and Kawachi. Our results show an independent effect of income inequality on self-perceived health in China during the survey year after adjusting for individual and household variables. There is an increased risk of about 20% on average for fair or poor health for individuals living in provinces with greatest income inequalities compared with people from provinces with modest income inequalities. In addition, certain groups of the population are at greater risk of reporting fair or poor health. As a developing nation experiencing dramatic changes in income distribution amidst social and economic transitions, the example of China suggests societal income inequality as an important social determinant of population health and that absolute increase in income does not necessary guarantee the improvement of health for all.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1. Describe the current situation of income inequality and population health in China
2. Articulate a multi-level regression model for assessing the effect of income inequality on self-perceived health
3. Recognize that there is an independent contextual effect of income inequality on individual health in China between 1991 and 1997.
4. List the vulnerable groups in contemporary China that are at greater risk of reporting fair or poor health.

Keywords: Social Inequalities, Developing Countries

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation

Social Epidemiology

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA