Poverty and health in Malta.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess for the relationship between poverty and health. Poverty and health are intertwined. Studies show that the poorer people are the worst is their health. In all countries, poor or rich, health inequalities exist. It is not enough to meet your basic needs. Being relatively poor in the country you live puts one at a health disadvantage. Those who are in a higher social class, better educated, have superior income and suffer less material deprivation have better health. Method: to reach this objective an ecological cross sectional design was used. Data was collected from national routine sources. These were than analysed statistically; all statistical analyses were adjusted for age and gender. Health measures chosen were self-rated health and having a chronic condition. Poverty was considered from a multidimensional perspective. Linear regression was carried out to check for statistical inferences. To complement the statistics, focus groups with health professionals were carried out. Results: Initially self-rated health and having a chronic condition were related to income, employment, alcohol and smoking. However, in the linear regression models limitations due to a chronic condition and education were found to have the strongest statistical relationship with the health measure. Having a chronic condition was also statistically related to vitality scores. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that health is related to poverty, with education being the most important predictor of health. Income was not a strong predictor of health unlike what was expected. Similar to other studies old age increased the risk of poverty and poor health. Geographical differences in health were not found.