The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland) are predominantly characterized by social democratic political traditions that are associated with redistributive economic and social policies of the welfare state. For example, compared with the US, the Nordic countries have lower poverty rates (19% vs. 7%) and higher coverage of the public medical care (100% vs. 45%). The overall objective of this paper is to demonstrate societal changes in the Nordic societies overtime and their consequences on health inequalities. Such changes include increase in income inequalities, unemployment rates, and proportion of children in poor families. The youths, single mothers, immigrants, and persons with lower education have particularly been negatively affected. Correspondingly, increased health inequalities have particularly been observed with cardiovascular disease risk, which is the main cause of death in the Nordic countries like in other industrialized countries. For example, risk for myocardial infarction among blue-collar workers as compared with managers/ executives increased from 1.3; 95% CI 1.2-1.5 among men and 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.0 among women in the period 1979-1982 to 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.5 among men and 2.3; 95% CI 1.5-3.6 among women in the period 1992-1993 in Sweden. Further empirical data in relation to social inequalities in health and their possible explanations will be presented. In conclusion, an egalitarian society may contribute to the reduction of health inequalities, but this can only be maintained when societal changes and developments are considered. Societies are dynamic and public health policies should constantly be revised to cater for the changing societies.
Learning Objectives: The overall objective of this paper is to demonstrate societal changes in the Nordic societies overtime and their consequences on health inequalities.
Keywords: Social Inequalities, Heart Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.