Low economic growth and health inequalities in a rich country: 27-year Japanese time series

Abstract

Abstract This presentation extends the public health theme in relation to Sustainable Development Goal #8, focusing on the health inequality trend in Japan. it is important to understand whether low economic growth is compatible with a low level of health inequalities. Unlike the UK and USA, life expectancy in Japan continued to improve despite a stagnant economy. Ten triennial waves of a nationally representative survey in Japan, 1986-2013 (n = 731,647) were used. Slope and Relative Indices of Inequality (SII and RII respectively) in relation to net household income and self-rated good health were calculated. Analyses were stratified by sex and age, for children, working-age adults, younger old and older old, given age differences in relation to labour market. Time trends of SII and RII were tested during the period of economic stagnation 1992-2013. In all age groups, prevalence of good health declined slightly from its peak in 1995 but increased after 2007. In 1992 among children, working-age adults and younger old, health inequality based on SII was small, about 10% lower prevalence of good health in those with lowest compared to highest income. Among working-age adults, time trends of health inequalities based on SII narrowed from 1992 and then widened after 2002 (quadratic trends in men and women p < 0.05), resulting in the magnitude of health inequality returning to its level at the beginning of economic stagnation in 1992 but not exceeding it. Time trends in relative inequality (RII) were qualitatively similar to those in absolute inequality (SII). The long-term low-growth Japanese economy appears compatible with maintaining and improving population health and holding health inequalities at current levels. This evidence is of great significance for sustainable development and the health of current and future generations.