Explaining socioeconomic inequalities in drug utilization for Sweden 2005-2006: Evidence from linked survey and register data
Author
Summary, in English
This study uses the Swedish register of prescribed drugs, merged with the Survey of Living Conditions (the ULF), to analyze the socioeconomic gradient in drug utilization. It finds a significant education gradient (but no income gradient) in individual drug utilization. Whereas the education gradient for men is quantitative in its orientation (education affects number of drugs used), the gradient for women is both quantitative and qualitative (education affects mean cost of drugs). For males, but not as clearly for females, the study finds that the education gradient is weaker for more health-related drugs but stronger for more expensive drugs. Our results indicate that the main reason for the education gradient in drug utilization is doctors’ behaviour rather than compliance with medication and affordability of drugs.
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Publication/Series
Social Science and Medicine
Volume
77
Issue
21
Document type
Working paper
Publisher
Department of Economics, Lund University
Topic
- Economics
Keywords
- health inequality
- healthcare
- drug utilization
- income
- education
Status
Published