Review article. Interventions to reduce socioeconomic health differences. A review of the international literature

Demographic factors as predictors for hospital admission in patients with chronic disease

“…34 A review of evidence-based actions to reduce socio-economic health inequalities by Gepkins and Gunnings-Schepers identified three important types of interventions: structural measures, interventions within the existing health care system, and community health education. 35 Structural measures and health education that included personal support as well as information were identified as the most effective interventions. Therefore, policies aimed at empowering disadvantaged individuals and communities will also be an important part of effective chronic disease self-management.…”

Feasibility of a community action model oriented to reduce inequalities in health

“…The model has followed recommendations from evidence, actions and policies to enhance equity at the urban setting [15,26,12]. The involvement of and consensus with stakeholders and different sectors has promoted feasibility, successful implementation and sustainability of this community intervention.…”

“…This has been related to improvements in housing conditions, environment, job opportunities, education, health and reduction of violence among others [8][9][10][11][12]. Some of the first experiences on social inequalities in health in neighbourhoods were developed in the United Kingdom, the Health Action Zones [8] and in the Netherlands [13], implementing interventions to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of services.…”

“…To date (April 2012) Neighbourhoods Law has benefited 142 neighbourhoods, 12 of them in Barcelona, developing urban renewal and reinforcement of social and economic networks. Neighbourhoods Law acts on some social determinants of health, as urban renewal, housing, public equipments, accessibility or other and these policies on disadvantaged areas are expected to reduce social inequalities in health [10,12].…”

Assessing equity in clinical practice guidelines

“…52,53 In contrast, this lens may be most useful as a strategy to avoid exacerbating inequities and for ensuring that efforts to improve the quality of care routinely focus on addressing equity as well as effectiveness and efficiency.…”