Is Income Inequality a Determinant of Population Health? Part 1. A Systematic Review
Pennsylvania State University · Statistics Canada · +4 more institutions
Abstract
This article reviews 98 aggregate and multilevel studies examining the associations between income inequality and health. Overall, there seems to be little support for the idea that income inequality is a major, generalizable determinant of population health differences within or between rich countries. Income inequality may, however, directly influence some health outcomes, such as homicide in some contexts. The strongest evidence for direct health effects is among states in the United States, but even that is somewhat mixed. Despite little support for a direct effect of income inequality on health per se, reducing income inequality by raising the incomes of the most disadvantaged will improve their health,…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 41.79
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 246
Authors
7- JLJohn LynchCorresponding
Pennsylvania State University, Statistics Canada, University of Michigan, University of Bristol, Institute for Social Research, McGill University
- GDGeorge Davey Smith
Pennsylvania State University, Statistics Canada, University of Michigan, University of Bristol, McGill University
- SHSam Harper
Pennsylvania State University, Statistics Canada, University of Michigan, University of Bristol, McGill University
- MMMarianne M. Hillemeier
Pennsylvania State University, Statistics Canada, University of Michigan, University of Bristol, McGill University
- NANancy A. Ross
Pennsylvania State University, Statistics Canada, University of Michigan, University of Bristol, McGill University
Topics & keywords
- Economic inequality
- Inequality
- Health equity
- Population health
- Demographic economics
- Income distribution
- Economics
- Population
- No poverty