Socio-economic health differences in Curacao: results from the Curacao Health Study - abstract

In Curacao, individuals from the lower socio-economic strata are relatively disadvantaged with regard to both their physical and their mental health. They also have a relatively poorer perceived health. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether gender and age-specific socio-economic health differences can be found in Curacao. In order to do this, analyses were performed on data from 2248 of a random sample of 3000 persons from the Curacao Health Study. Averaged over all age groups, a socio-economic gradient was found in males with respect to physical functioning and in females with respect to the number of chronic conditions. Regarding mental health and perceived general health, socio-economic differences were found in both males and females. To determine whether these socio-economice differences in physical health were more prominent. In mental health the differences appeared in younger age groups, for males as well as females. In the latter the differences are more prolonged. The proportion of persons in "average" or "poor' health differed by socio-economic status in early old age in males and in early middle age in females. In short-term complaints, no socio-economic differences were found, except for females in the middle age group (45 - 54 years). Socio-economic health differences exist in Curacao. These differences are not apparent for all health indicators, they vary by gender and age group. In efforts to reduce socio-economic inequalities in adult health these factors have to be taken into account and, depending on the health indicator of interest, policy must be formulated geared towards specific groups (AU)

Socio-economic health differences in Curacao: results from the pilot of the Curacao health study - abstract

The objective of the current study is to investigate whether the data collected in the pilot of the Curacao Health Study could be used to determine possible socio-economic health differences in Curacao. In order to do this, secondary analyses were performed on data from a sample of 134 persons. In males there appeared to be a difference between higher versus lower educated groups with respect to the total number of chronic complaints and perceived general health. In addition, males without access to a car reported a poorer general health compared to the group that does have access to a car. In females, these differences were not significant. However, females reported on the average more chronic diseases, more short-term complaints, worse physical functioning and a poorer general health compared to males. Because of the small sample size no definite statements on socio-economic health differences in Curacao can be made, although the type of data collected proved not only useful but necessary to conduct further investigation in this matter (AU)