What measures health inequalities related to economic circumstances?

The SES gradient, or socioeconomic status gradient, effectively measures health inequalities related to economic circumstances. This concept captures how health outcomes vary systematically according to an individual's or a population's socioeconomic status. The gradient highlights that as socioeconomic status increases, various health outcomes tend to improve, while lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer health outcomes.

This relationship is crucial for understanding the social determinants of health, as it emphasizes the influence of economic factors on overall well-being. By assessing the SES gradient, healthcare professionals and policymakers can identify at-risk populations and disparities in health access and outcomes linked to economic factors.

Understanding this gradient is instrumental in designing effective public health interventions and policies aimed at reducing health disparities, promoting equity, and improving health outcomes across different socioeconomic groups.