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Health Inequities Exist in Europe: Are Spatial Health Inequities Present in the Small State of Malta?

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  • Sarah Cuschieri
  • Neville Calleja
  • Julian Mamo

Abstract

Targeting and reducing health inequities is a requisite for public health. The Maltese Islands are divided into six geographical districts with a total area of 316 km 2 . It is anticipated that the close geographical proximity and social integration would result in similar population health status. This study aims to identify whether geographical health inequities exist despite the small country area. A cross-sectional health examination survey was conducted. Participants with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG) were identified, depending on their medical and drug history and fasting blood glucose levels. Those with body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 were labeled as obese. Different health status was compared between the residents in the different districts according to demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and medical history. Regression analysis was carried out to identify links between the different districts, BMI, IFG, and T2DM diagnosis, while adjusting for confounders. Geographical inequities were evident despite the close proximity. The Gozo district exhibited distinctive metabolic inequities compared to the other districts. An independent relationship was present between IFG diagnosis and residence in Gozo and Northern districts. Obesity was linked to residing in Gozo. Health inequities were evident between the close districts of the Maltese Islands despite similar socioeconomic, lifestyle, and healthcare provision. Psychosocial factors might be the underlying causes for these inequities. Public health officials and government should work to enhance public education and set up local policies and interventions to target these inequities.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Cuschieri & Neville Calleja & Julian Mamo, 2022. "Health Inequities Exist in Europe: Are Spatial Health Inequities Present in the Small State of Malta?," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:12:y:2022:i:1:p:21582440221082123
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440221082123
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kanbur, Ravi & Venables, Anthony J. (ed.), 2005. "Spatial Inequality and Development," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199278633.
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    4. Philip McCann, 2020. "Perceptions of regional inequality and the geography of discontent: insights from the UK," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(2), pages 256-267, February.
    5. Satariano, Bernadine, 2019. "Diverse socioeconomic processes influencing health and wellbeing across generations in deprived neighbourhoods in Malta," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 232(C), pages 453-459.
    6. Ravi Kanbur & Tony Venables, 2005. "Introduction: Spatial inequality and development," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 5(1), pages 1-2, January.
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