1. Socio-economic gradients in self-reported health in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Author
-
O'Reilly D, Thompson KJ, Murphy AW, Bury G, Gilliland A, Kelly A, O'Dowd T, and Steele K
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Attitude to Health, Female, Humans, Ireland, Male, Middle Aged, Northern Ireland, Socioeconomic Factors, Health Status, Health Surveys, Social Class
- Abstract
Background: Research and policy related to reducing health inequalities has progressed separately within Ireland and Northern Ireland. This paper describes the first exploration of the socio-economic influences on health on the island of Ireland since 1922., Methods: Postal survey., Results: The response rate was 52%; 11,870 respondents. Men reported more long-standing illness (LLTI) or poor general health (PGH); depression was more common amongst women. Socio-economic gradients in health were evident in both jurisdictions, with the effects of household income being particularly marked. Overall, morbidity levels were significantly better in Ireland than in Northern Ireland: adjusted odds ratio of 0.79 (95% CI 0.71 - 0.88) for LLTI; 0.64 (0.57 - 0.72) for PGH; 0.90 (0.82 - 0.99) for depression., Conclusions: There is evidence of strong and similar socio-economic gradients in health throughout the island of Ireland. This would suggest joint policy approaches or at least further comparative evaluation of the initiatives in each jurisdiction.
- Published
- 2006
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