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Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health and Perceived Unmet Needs for Healthcare among the Elderly in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Jens Hoebel

    (Division of Social Determinants of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Alexander Rommel

    (Division of Health Reporting, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62-66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Sara Lena Schröder

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112 Halle, Germany)

  • Judith Fuchs

    (Division of Physical Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62-66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Enno Nowossadeck

    (Division of Social Determinants of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Thomas Lampert

    (Division of Social Determinants of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Research into health inequalities in the elderly population of Germany is relatively scarce. This study examines socioeconomic inequalities in health and perceived unmet needs for healthcare and explores the dynamics of health inequalities with age among elderly people in Germany. Data were derived from the Robert Koch Institute’s cross-sectional German Health Update study. The sample was restricted to participants aged 50–85 years ( n = 11,811). Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured based on education, (former) occupation, and income. Odds ratios and prevalence differences were estimated using logistic regression and linear probability models, respectively. Our results show that self-reported health problems were more prevalent among men and women with lower SES. The extent of SES-related health inequalities decreased at older ages, predominantly among men. Although the prevalence of perceived unmet needs for healthcare was low overall, low SES was associated with higher perceptions of unmet needs in both sexes and for several kinds of health services. In conclusion, socioeconomic inequalities in health exist in a late working age and early retirement but may narrow at older ages, particularly among men. Socially disadvantaged elderly people perceive greater barriers to accessing healthcare services than those who are better off.

Suggested Citation

  • Jens Hoebel & Alexander Rommel & Sara Lena Schröder & Judith Fuchs & Enno Nowossadeck & Thomas Lampert, 2017. "Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health and Perceived Unmet Needs for Healthcare among the Elderly in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:10:p:1127-:d:113316
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    2. Hajo Zeeb & Heinz Rothgang & Ingrid Darmann-Finck, 2018. "Ageing, Health and Equity—Broad Perspectives Are Needed to Understand and Tackle Health Challenges of Ageing Societies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-4, March.
    3. Hui-Chuan Hsu & Jersey Liang & Dih-Ling Luh & Chen-Fen Chen & Ying-Wei Wang, 2019. "Social Determinants and Disparities in Active Aging Among Older Taiwanese," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
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    5. Jung A. Choi & Oksoo Kim, 2021. "Factors Influencing Unmet Healthcare Needs among Older Korean Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-9, June.

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