Socioeconomic inequalities in self-reported chronic non-communicable diseases in urban Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study measures and decomposes socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of self-reported chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban Hanoi, Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey of 1211 selected households was carried out in four urban districts in both slum and non-slum areas of Hanoi city in 2013. The respondents were asked if a doctor or health worker had diagnosed any household members with an NCD, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory, diabetes or cancer, during last 12 months. Information from 3736 individuals, aged 15 years and over, was used for the analysis. The concentration index (CI) was used to measure inequalities in self-reported NCD prevalence, and it was also decomposed into contributing factors. The prevalence of chronic NCDs in the slum and non-slum areas was 7.9% and 11.6%, respectively. The CIs show gradients disadvantageous to both the slum (CI = −0.103) and non-slum (CI = −0.165) areas. Lower socioeconomic status and aging significantly contributed to inequalities in the self-reported NCDs, particularly for those living in the slum areas. The findings confirm the existence of substantial socioeconomic inequalities linked to NCDs in urban Vietnam. Future policies should target these vulnerable areas.