Psychological and Social Influences on Inequalities in Health in European Countries

Abstract

Background: The basic data concerning social influences on equity in health in Czech districts (2002, 2005, 2008, 2011) are in our study compared with results from 18 European countries, and the EU data. Methods: A representative sample of Czech citizens obtained by random quota sampling completed data on self-reported health, income, and level of education in conjunction with Czech national, statistical data on sick leave, unemployment, income and Gini coef. in respective districts of the Czech Republic. Findings: The poorer Czech districts report a higher morbidity and higher unemployment rate. The similarities and differences in social influences related to health inequalities within the EU will be demonstrated using the comparison of national and European statistical data. Discussion: One of the most important problem of European integration are social influences on equity in health, and its psychological reflection at both individual and social levels. Health Psychology should focus on the closing this gap.