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Socioeconomic Inequalities and Obesity in South Africa—A Decomposition Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Eva Goetjes

    (CINCH Health Economics Research Center, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Berliner Platz 6–8, 45127 Essen, Germany)

  • Milena Pavlova

    (Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Charles Hongoro

    (Peace and Sustainable Security (PaSS), Developmental, Capable and Ethical State Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Private Bag X41, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
    School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Wim Groot

    (Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Background: Prior evidence shows that inequalities are related to overweight and obesity in South Africa. Using data from a recent national study, we examine the socioeconomic inequalities associated with obesity in South Africa and the factors associated with it. Methods: We use quantitative data from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) carried out in 2012. We estimate the concentration index (CI) to identify inequalities and decompose the CI to explore the determinants of these inequalities. Results: We confirm the existence of pro-rich inequalities associated with obesity in South Africa. The inequalities among males are larger (CI of 0.16) than among women (CI of 0.09), though more women are obese than men. Marriage increases the risk of obesity for women and men, while smoking decreases the risk of obesity among men significantly. Higher education is associated with lower inequalities among females. Conclusions: We recommend policies to focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, including the individual’s perception of a healthy body size and image, especially among women.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Goetjes & Milena Pavlova & Charles Hongoro & Wim Groot, 2021. "Socioeconomic Inequalities and Obesity in South Africa—A Decomposition Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9181-:d:626320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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