Equidad en el Acceso, Desigualdad y Utilización de los Servicios de Salud. Una Aplicación al Caso Argentino en 2001

Abstract

In this study the main recent methodological and empirical approaches to quantify income-related inequality in the utilization of health care are reviewed. By using data from the Survey of Living Conditions conducted in Argentina in 2001, concentration indices for visits to health professionals are computed, which are then decomposed in order to identify the causes of inequality. In addition, a measurement of horizontal inequity indices is obtained. It is concluded that the utilization of health care in Argentina is concentrated in the most favoured individuals and that inequality is due in large extent to the influence of non-need variables such as the per capita household income, schooling, having health coverage and the place of residence among others.Health Care Utilization, Concentration Index, Inequality