Comparing Individual and Area-Based Socioeconomic Measures for Monitoring Social Health Inequalities in Tunisia

To monitor social health inequalities in Tunisia, this study investigates the influence of socioeconomic measures on health over the period of 2001 to 2013. We construct the material and social deprivation indices for each geographical area by applying principle component method on the major proxies of material and social deprivation. The empirical results indicate that life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy gaps between the groups at the ends of the advantaged-disadvantaged continuum are much greater when measured at the individual level. This applies to the population as a whole, to men and women, and to each area-based. Both versions of the index are associated with inequalities in mortality and disability, independent of each other. These findings suggest that material and social deprivation contributes independently to mortality and disability. This contribution increases gradually with the level of deprivation index. The present study may guide policy-makers in formulating conclusive public policies in future plantings to reduce social health inequalities in Tunisia.