Income related inequality in prescription drugs in Denmark.
OBJECTIVE
To examine income-related inequity in utilisation of prescription drugs in Funen County, Denmark after a new reimbursement system was implemented.


METHODS
An individual level prescription database was merged with a health survey of 2927 respondents interviewed in 2000 and 2001 about their health status and socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics. An index of horizontal inequity was used to estimate the degree of inequity in drug utilisation across income groups, using the indirect method of standardisation to control for age, gender and health status as a proxy for need. The results were compared to estimates from a traditional regression analysis.


RESULTS
The least advantaged with respect to income consume a bigger share of the prescription drugs than the most advantaged. After standardisation for age, gender and health status the least advantaged have a lower share of the drug consumption than expected. However, traditional regression analysis showed no signs of an income effect on the level of consumption of prescription drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
The index of horizontal inequity suggests that some horizontal inequity favouring the better off is present. However, the results deviate from what can be found by traditional regression analysis.
Gundgaard
Jens
J
Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. jgu@sam.sdu.dk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003718:Denmark; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government; D005382:Financing, Personal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000191:economics*; D011306:Prescription Fees; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations