Equity and inequality in health care use among older people in the United Kingdom

Publication type

Conference Paper

Series

BHPS-2005 Conference: the 2005 British Household Panel Survey Research Conference, 30 June -2 July 2005, Colchester, UK

Authors

Publication date

June 1, 2005

Abstract:

An area that remains relatively unexamined in the literature on older people is horizontal equity
in health care service use. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent of income related
inequity in the use of GP, inpatient, outpatient and dentist services among individuals
aged 65 and older in the UK between 1997 and 2003 using data from the BHPS. The probability
of GP, outpatient, dentist or inpatient service use between 1997 and 2003 was predicted using
multiple random effects logistic regression panel models and income-related horizontal inequity
was calculated. An inequity index that is equal to zero implies that after controlling for
differences in need across income groups, individuals have equal probability of service use,
regardless of income. The results indicate that individuals on lower income are significantly
more likely to visit a GP, or use outpatient and inpatient care than the better-off, while the
reverse is seen for dental care. After adjusting for differences in need with income, horizontal
inequity is found favouring those on higher income for all service areas, particularly outpatient
and dental care.

Subjects

Link

- http://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/bhps/2005/download.php


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