Introduction. Changes over time in health inequalities among men and women were examined in four Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Methods. The data derived from comparable interview surveys carried out in 1986/87 and 1994/95 in the four Nordic countries. Two common health indicators, that is limiting long-standing illness and perceived health, were analysed by age, gender, employment status and educational attainment. Age adjusted overall prevalence percentages were calculated, and changes in the magnitude of health inequalities were studied using logistic regression analysis with data pooled from the four countries. Results. In each country the prevalence of ill-health remained broadly at a similar level, with Finns having the poorest health. Among men there was a moderate but universal narrowing of inequalities for both health indicators by employment status as well as educational attainment. Nevertheless, health inequalities remained clear and consistent. An exception was negligible inequalities in limiting long-standing illness between Finnish employed and unemployed men. Among women inequalities for both health indicators remained broadly stable in all countries. The only suggestion of widening inequalities concerned Swedish women’s health inequalities by educational attainment. Conclusions. Despite the economic recession and a large increase in unemployment particularly in Finland and Sweden, health inequalities tended to narrow among Nordic men and remained stable among Nordic women from the mid 1980s to mid 1990s.The welfare state arrangements are likely to have contributed to the buffering against the pressures towards widening health inequalities over the study period.
Learning Objectives: 1. N/A
Keywords: Health, Social Class
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.