Latest publication by Peng Nie, Alsfonso Sousa-Poza et al. on the socio-economic situation and health inequalities in Cuba  [15.06.20]

This article explored the little-researched relationship between the socioeconomic situation and health of adult urban Cubans aged 18 to 65 years. Using linear regression analysis, data from national surveys conducted in 2010 on risk factors and chronic diseases were examined. The socioeconomic situation was analyzed in terms of education, occupation and skin color. The regressions also included behavioural patterns and health-related risk perceptions. In this way, the SEP health gradient and its underlying mechanisms were investigated both via behavior and health-related risk perceptions. In the course of the analysis, significant educational differences were discovered with regard to the indicator "self-assessment of health", which influences the health measurement value. These differences are partly explained by the other health indicators, behaviour and risk perception. However, with the exception of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, no socioeconomic differences were found in objective health measurements. People with black skin colour are significantly more likely to have high blood pressure. People with mulatto or mestizo skin colour have a significantly lower probability of having high cholesterol levels. In terms of objective health measures, the study provides only minimal evidence of a socioeconomic positional health gap in Cuba. The results are mainly due to the country's general health system - which provides full coverage and access and affordable medication - and the highly developed education system.

Nie, P., Ding, L., Sousa-Poza, A. et al. Socioeconomic position and the health gradient in Cuba: dimensions and mechanisms. BMC Public Health 20, 866 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08980-3

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