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On absolute socioeconomic health inequality comparisons

Author

Listed:
  • Mohamad A. Khaled

    (University of Queensland)

  • Paul Makdissi

    (University of Ottawa)

  • Myra Yazbeck

    (University of Queensland
    University of Ottawa)

Abstract

This paper introduces a new graphical tool: the mean deviation concentration curve. Using a unified approach, we derive the associated dominance conditions that identify robust rankings of absolute socioeconomic health inequality for all indices obeying Bleichrodt and van Doorslaer’s (J Health Econ 25:945–957, 2006) principle of income-related health transfer. We also derive dominance conditions that are compatible with other transfer principles available in the literature. To make the identification of all robust orderings implementable using survey data, we discuss statistical inference for these dominance tests. To illustrate the empirical relevance of the proposed approach, we compare joint distributions of income and health-related behavior in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamad A. Khaled & Paul Makdissi & Myra Yazbeck, 2023. "On absolute socioeconomic health inequality comparisons," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 24(1), pages 5-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujhec:v:24:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10198-022-01448-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01448-8
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mean deviation concentration curves; Generalized health concentration curves; Generalized health range curves; Absolute socioeconomic health inequality; Stochastic dominance; Inference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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