Socioeconomic Health Disparities in Bangladesh through Lorenz Curve and Gini Ratio: Evidence from BDHS Survey

Abstract

Socioeconomic health disparities is a much publicized concern in developed and developing countries and recently this concept are becoming popular among demographers and health scientists in Bangladesh. Research on health disparities can be instrumental in drawing attention to the health of socioeconomically vulnerable groups in Bangladesh in the context of rapid economic growth. Although Bangladesh has already achieved noticeable progress in the field of development and health, but socioeconomic disparities of health for several markers are still noticeable. However, population within the Bangladesh experience marked differences in health and longevity due to socioeconomic disparity. In this regard, to assess the development of health sector, an attempt has been made in this study to observe the socioeconomic health disparities among women using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey by urban-rural and richest-poorest discrepancies. It also finds out the levels and trends of socioeconomic health disparities in Bangladesh. The study also provides urban-rural and richest-poorest disparities through Lorenz curve and Gini ratio though public health sector in Bangladesh has achieved tremendous successes over the few decades. Therefore, more public health strategies are needed for rural and poorestwomen in order to reduce these gaps further. This study gives information for policy makers about socioeconomic health disparity and will be a milestones in health sector research to take appropriate policy as well as informative to execute sustainable development goals agenda in Bangladesh.

Increasing concentration of COVID-19 by socioeconomic determinants and geography in Toronto, Canada: an observational study

“…In addition to sexually transmitted infections, Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients have been used for a range of other health outcomes. (16)(17)(18)(19) For example, inequities in longevity over time,(18) oral health, (17) and premature mortality (20) have been examined against income-levels, and more recently inequities in health outcomes have been examined across other social determinants, including unemployment. (16) The present study's overarching objective is to improve our understanding of the role of social determinants in shaping SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Toronto, the largest city and economic capital of Canada.…”

“…In addition to sexually transmitted infections, Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients have been used for a range of other health outcomes. (16-19) For example, inequities in longevity over time,(18) oral health,(17) and premature mortality(20) have been examined against income-levels, and more recently inequities in health outcomes have been examined across other social determinants, including unemployment. (16)…”