PHM-Exch> Economic Arguments for addressing the social determinants of health inequalities

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Ruggiero, Mrs. Ana Lucia (WDC) <ruglucia at paho.org>
crossposted from: EQUIDAD at listserv.paho.org


 *Economic Arguments for addressing the social determinants of health
inequalities

***

*Working Document No.4 - 2009
DETERMINE - EU Consortium for Action on the Socioeconomic Determinants of
Health (SDH).

*

Available online PDF [31p.] at:
http://www.health-inequalities.eu/pdf.php?id=25d4fa63460c83d64115e80cd65980d3

“………….an overview of how the framework for identifying and exploring
economic arguments for addressing social determinants of health inequalities
was developed. It also describes how the data was collected and provides
general comments on responses received.



This chapter presents the findings of a literature review conducted in June
2008 together with further research in April 2009. The review was undertaken
to help inform and shape further data collection by establishing the main
economic arguments for addressing social determinants of health
inequalities.


Health can be considered in economic terms as both a capital and a
consumption good. In the case of health as a capital good, people in good
health attract a higher value than those in poor health due to their greater
ability to be economically productive. Health as a consumption good is
concerned with the contribution that good health makes to an individual’s
wellbeing, happiness or satisfaction.


Targeted investment to address health inequalities by action on social
determinants of health is more cost effective than paying later for the
consequences of these inequalities. It follows then that addressing health
inequalities is not only a matter of social justice but also contributes to
economic growth.

*
*The aim of this task was to better understand if and how economic arguments
are being used to address social determinants of health inequalities within
selected member states and by the institutions of the European Union. It is
intended to use findings from this task to achieve more widespread adoption
of effective and proven approaches to tackling health inequalities.

The objectives of the task were:

• To explore opportunities and challenges to using economic arguments to
address social determinants of health inequalities.

• To identify examples of relevant economic evaluations that consider
outcomes in terms of health and health inequalities.

 *Contents*

Summary

Introduction

1. Instrument design and data collection

2. Making the case: Establishing economic arguments

3. Opportunities and challenges to using economic arguments

4. Examples of economic evaluations that consider health outcomes

5. Conclusion and recommendations

References

Appendix 1: Glossary of frequently used terms

Appendix 2: Task timeline & questionnaire
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