1. Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
  2. Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
  3. Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
  4. Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
  5. Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Hormozgan, Iran.
bmj open

Abstract

Background: Contrary to health indices advancement during recent years, health inequalities are still a global challenge. This study aimed to determine socioeconomic factors for noncommunicable diseases using concentration indices (CI). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the baseline data from a cohort study in Fasa (southern Iran). Principle component analysis was used to measure asset index. Moreover, socioeconomic inequalities were calculated by CI. Analysis was done at 95% confidence level using STATA software. Results: A total of 7990 individuals were included in the study. The highest negative CIs were significantly found for epilepsy (-0.334), paramnesia (-0.255), and learning disabilities (-0.063), respectively, and the lowest were significantly found for chronic headaches (-0.046), recurrent headaches (-0.03), infertility (-0.028) and hypertension (-0.057). This index was positive for breast cancer (0.298). Furthermore, it was not Significant for diabetes, thyroid disorders, depression, and chronic lung diseases. Conclusion: The findings showed a significant inequality in the most of the noncommunicable diseases in the region, which are more concentrated among the poorest population. Policymakers in the health system and city planners should consider these results to decrease the burden of noncommunicable diseases in the society by identifying vulnerable subcategories.

Keywords: Concentration Index; Inequality; Noncommunicable Diseases

How to Cite

Sharafi M, Bahramali E, Farjam M, Rezaeian S, Afrashteh S, Amiri Z. Socioeconomic inequality in noncommunicable diseases: Results from a baseline Persian cohort study. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2021 Jun 16;35:78. doi: 10.47176/mjiri.35.78. PMID: 34291002; PMCID: PMC8285560.