| dc.description.abstract | Both health inequalities and social group health differences are important aspects of measuring population health.
Despite widespread recognition of their magnitude in many high- and low-income countries, there is considerable
debate about the meaning and measurement of health inequalities, social group health differences and inequities. The
lack of standard definitions, measurement strategies and indicators has and will continue to limit comparisons Ð
between and within countries, and over time Ð of health inequalities, and perhaps more importantly comparative
analyses of their determinants. Such comparative work, however, will be essential to find effective policies for
governments to reduce health inequalities. This article addresses the question of whether we should be measuring
health inequalities or social group health differences. To help clarify the strengths and weaknesses of these two
approaches, we review some of the major arguments for and against each of them. | |
