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Race and Health Disparities Among Seniors in Urban Areas in Brazil

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Listed:
  • Antonio J. Trujillo
  • John A. Vernon
  • Laura Rodriguez Wong
  • Gustavo Angeles

Abstract

White seniors report better health than Black seniors in urban areas in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This is the case even after controlling for baseline health conditions and several demographic, socio-economic and family support characteristics. Furthermore, adjusted racial disparities in self-reported health are larger than the disparities found using alternative measures of functional health. Our empirical research in this paper suggests that the two most important factors driving racial disparities in health among seniors (in our sample) are historical differences in rural living conditions and current income. Present economic conditions are more relevant to racial disparities among poor seniors than among rich seniors. Moreover, racial differences in health not attributable to observable characteristics are more important when comparing individuals in the upper half of the income distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio J. Trujillo & John A. Vernon & Laura Rodriguez Wong & Gustavo Angeles, 2005. "Race and Health Disparities Among Seniors in Urban Areas in Brazil," NBER Working Papers 11690, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:11690
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    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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