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Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health and Perceived Unmet Needs for Healthcare among the Elderly in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Jens Hoebel

    (Division of Social Determinants of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Alexander Rommel

    (Division of Health Reporting, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62-66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Sara Lena Schröder

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112 Halle, Germany)

  • Judith Fuchs

    (Division of Physical Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62-66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Enno Nowossadeck

    (Division of Social Determinants of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

  • Thomas Lampert

    (Division of Social Determinants of Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Research into health inequalities in the elderly population of Germany is relatively scarce. This study examines socioeconomic inequalities in health and perceived unmet needs for healthcare and explores the dynamics of health inequalities with age among elderly people in Germany. Data were derived from the Robert Koch Institute’s cross-sectional German Health Update study. The sample was restricted to participants aged 50–85 years ( n = 11,811). Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured based on education, (former) occupation, and income. Odds ratios and prevalence differences were estimated using logistic regression and linear probability models, respectively. Our results show that self-reported health problems were more prevalent among men and women with lower SES. The extent of SES-related health inequalities decreased at older ages, predominantly among men. Although the prevalence of perceived unmet needs for healthcare was low overall, low SES was associated with higher perceptions of unmet needs in both sexes and for several kinds of health services. In conclusion, socioeconomic inequalities in health exist in a late working age and early retirement but may narrow at older ages, particularly among men. Socially disadvantaged elderly people perceive greater barriers to accessing healthcare services than those who are better off.

Suggested Citation

  • Jens Hoebel & Alexander Rommel & Sara Lena Schröder & Judith Fuchs & Enno Nowossadeck & Thomas Lampert, 2017. "Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health and Perceived Unmet Needs for Healthcare among the Elderly in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:10:p:1127-:d:113316
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    2. Hui-Chuan Hsu & Jersey Liang & Dih-Ling Luh & Chen-Fen Chen & Ying-Wei Wang, 2019. "Social Determinants and Disparities in Active Aging Among Older Taiwanese," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Hee-jeong Kim & Dahye Park, 2022. "Gender-Specific Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Obese Korean Older Adults: Evidence from the 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-11, July.
    4. Cristina Bosch-Farré & Maria Carmen Malagón-Aguilera & David Ballester-Ferrando & Carme Bertran-Noguer & Anna Bonmatí-Tomàs & Sandra Gelabert-Vilella & Dolors Juvinyà-Canal, 2020. "Healthy Ageing in Place: Enablers and Barriers from the Perspective of the Elderly. A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    5. Yunhan Wang & Nan Jiang & Haiya Shao & Zhonghua Wang, 2024. "Exploring unmet healthcare needs and associated inequalities among middle-aged and older adults in Eastern China during the progression toward universal health coverage," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    6. Jung A. Choi & Oksoo Kim, 2021. "Factors Influencing Unmet Healthcare Needs among Older Korean Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-9, June.

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