Measuring Inequalities and Inequities in Order To Improve Health Policies

Abstract

We define inequality, inequity and social protection in health. Inequality is related to diagnosis; inequity is related to avoidable inequalities, i.e., those that can be reduced through appropriate policies; and social protection deals with the impact of health policies. Inequities are measured by means of health status indicators. Regarding social protection, emphasis is laid on the financial aspects and particularly, on the impact of out of pocket expenditure on inequity. Our main contribution consists in the exemplification of the relationship between health gradients and income differentials in order to show inequities. We suggest that social protection policies aimed at the reduction of inequity and inequality in health should consider the socio economic determinants and, above all, the impact of income gradients among population groups.