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Richer, wiser and in better health? The socioeconomic gradient in hypertension prevalence, unawareness and control in South Africa

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  • Thomas, Ranjeeta
  • Burger, Ronelle
  • Hauck, Katharina

Abstract

The socioeconomic gradient in chronic conditions is clear in the poorest and wealthiest of countries, but extant evidence on this relationship in low- and middle-income countries is inconclusive. We use data gathered between 2008 and 2012 from a nationally representative sample of over 10,000 South African adults, and objective health measures to analyse the differential effects of education, income and other factors on the prevalence of hypertension, individuals' awareness and control of hypertensive status. Prevalence of hypertension is high at 38% among women and 34% among men. 59% of hypertensive individuals are unaware of their status. We find prevalence and unawareness of hypertension are a public health concern across all income groups in South Africa. Higher income is however associated with effective control amongst men. Completing secondary education is associated with 7 mmHg lower blood pressure only in a small sub-group of women but is associated with 22 percentage point higher likelihood of effective hypertension control amongst women. We conclude that poorer and less educated individuals are particularly at high risk of cardiovascular disease in South Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas, Ranjeeta & Burger, Ronelle & Hauck, Katharina, 2018. "Richer, wiser and in better health? The socioeconomic gradient in hypertension prevalence, unawareness and control in South Africa," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 90297, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:90297
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/90297/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lei, Xiaoyan & Yin, Nina & Zhao, Yaohui, 2012. "Socioeconomic status and chronic diseases: The case of hypertension in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 105-121.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bonsang, Eric & Caroli, Eve & Garrouste, Clémentine, 2021. "Gender heterogeneity in self-reported hypertension," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    South Africa; hypertension; socioeconomic gradient; unawareness; control;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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