Socio-economic inequalities in health in Catalonia

Abstract

In this paper we measure the degree of socio economic inequality in both mental health and general health for the Catalan population. We find that income is the main contributor to inequality, especially in the case of mental health. The regional variations in both health measures are striking, with the Barcelona districts faring relatively bad and Lleida being the region where the population reports the greatest level of health all else held equal. A big share of inequality in the two health measures is due to the favourable position in both health and income of those who enjoy an indefinite contract. We also find that risky working conditions affect both health measures and explain an important share of socio-economic inequality.