Social class, territory and health inequality in Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzes how social class and territory are combined to produce health patterns in the population. Particular and converging spatial variations of the focal relationship between social class and health in Brazil were considered. Predicted probabilities and both absolute and relative health inequality measures were used in the analyzes. The probabilities of not having good health were estimated for the capital city of each Brazilian state and in its hinterland. Spatial location and social class are combined to dramatically accentuate health discrepancies. In general, the relative discrepancies of social class are greater in more developed regions and in the capitals of all states. Better levels of health in less adverse territories favor groups with the resources and capabilities to increase health gains. Absolute inequality is greater in less developed areas. Territorial adversities are combined with the greater density of the most vulnerable categories, imposing a huge populational burden in health in less developed regions.