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A Review on Socioeconomic Position Indicators in Health Inequality Research  

Choi, Yong-Jun (Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Health Services Research Center, Hallym University)
Jeong, Baek-Geun (Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University)
Cho, Sung-Il (School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
JungChoi, Kyung-Hee (Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, KyungHee University Medical Center)
Jang, Soong-Nang (Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University)
Kang, Min-Ah (Department of Public Administration, College of Social Sciences, Ewha Womans University)
Khang, Young-Ho (Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine)
Publication Information
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health / v.40, no.6, 2007 , pp. 475-486 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives : Socioeconomic position (SEP) refers to the socioeconomic factors that influence which position an individual or group of people will hold within the structure of a society. In this study, we provide a comprehensive review of various indicators of SEP, including education level, occupation-based SEP, income and wealth, area SEP, life-course SEP, and SEP indicators for women, elderly and youth. Methods and results : This report provides a brief theoretical background and discusses the measurement, interpretation issues, advantages and limitations associated with the use of each SEP indicator. We also describe some problems that arise when selecting SEP indicators and highlight the indicators that appear to be appropriate for health inequality research. Some practical information for use in health inequality research in South Korea is also presented. Conclusions : Investigation into the associations between various SEP indicators and health outcomes can provide a more complete understanding of mechanisms between SEP and health. The relationship between specific SEP indicators and specific health outcomes can vary by country due to the differences in the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts of the SEP indicators.
Keywords
Socioeconomic factors; Education; Occupations; Income; Korea;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 7  (Citation Analysis)
Times Cited By SCOPUS : 3
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