Overview of social inequalities in health in the Region of the Americas, using various methodological approaches

Abstract

Over the past decade, according to several important indicators, health conditions have improved in the Region of health inequalities based on the use of various methods highlight the existence of important disparities among subregions and countries of the Americas that are not readily seen when using only the more-traditional methods for analyzing mortality and morbidity. There is also a need to incorporate the concepts of distribution and socioeconomic dimensions of health when interpreting a given situation. Using this approach will allow decisionmakers to target areas and populations that are in less-favorable conditions. A considerable body of aggregate data at the Regional and country levels from routine information systems is already availableóespecially on morbidity, mortality, and other health-related factorsóthat can be used on a regular basis to analyze health inequalities. These kinds of analyses may be regarded as a first step toward the identification of health inequities.Equity, health status, health status indicators, socioeconomic factors, Americas. ABSTRACTOver the past decade, health conditions have been steadily improving in the Region of the Americas, according to several indicators. This progress is the result of various social, environmental, cultural, and technological factors as well as the expanded coverage of health care services and public health programs. Nevertheless, these improvements have not shown the same intensity or momentum in every country or in every population group

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