Trends in income-related health inequalities in self-assessed health in Korea, 1998–2011

Abstract

This study assesses income-related health inequalities in self-assessed health (SAH) and its trend from 1998 to 2011 in Korea that covers important time periods of financial crisis and post-crisis. Data came from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1998 to 2011. A population-representative sample aged 46 years and older was analysed. SAH was used as an indicator of health status, with household equivalence income as a proxy for socio-economic position. Age-adjusted prevalence rates of SAH were analysed to estimate both absolute and relative measures of health inequalities and the trend over time by the relative index of inequality (RII) and the slope index of inequality (SII). Results indicated that the highest level of health inequalities was found among men aged 46–59 years, especially in 2001 and 2005. For men, there was no clear, consistent pattern of increase or decrease in the trend over time. On the other hand, increasing trends in the RII and SII were found for women, except for women aged 46–59 years who reported a decreasing trend in the SII. Trends in health inequalities over time were influenced by economic crisis, demonstrating the need for macro-level economic policies as well as health policies addressing health gaps.