Socio-economic gradients in self-reported health in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
BACKGROUND
Research and policy related to reducing health inequalities has progressed separately within Ireland and Northern Ireland. This paper describes the first exploration of the socio-economic influences on health on the island of Ireland since 1922.


METHODS
Postal survey.


RESULTS
The response rate was 52%; 11,870 respondents. Men reported more long-standing illness (LLTI) or poor general health (PGH); depression was more common amongst women. Socio-economic gradients in health were evident in both jurisdictions, with the effects of household income being particularly marked. Overall, morbidity levels were significantly better in Ireland than in Northern Ireland: adjusted odds ratio of 0.79 (95% CI 0.71 - 0.88) for LLTI; 0.64 (0.57 - 0.72) for PGH; 0.90 (0.82 - 0.99) for depression.


CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence of strong and similar socio-economic gradients in health throughout the island of Ireland. This would suggest joint policy approaches or at least further comparative evaluation of the initiatives in each jurisdiction.
O'Reilly
D
D
Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, Queen's University, Belfast. d.oreilly@qub.ac.uk
Thompson
K J
KJ
Murphy
A W
AW
Bury
G
G
Gilliland
A
A
Kelly
A
A
O'Dowd
T
T
Steele
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009660:Northern Ireland; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors