Dear Colleagues

I attach information on selected papers in this issue of Social Science and Medicine which you might find of interest.

Best wishes

David McDaid

Journal: Social Science and Medicine
ISSN   : 0277-9536
Volume : 55
Issue  : 1
Date   : Jul-2002

For more information about this journal visit: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jnlnr/00315


Does migration exaggerate the relationship between deprivation and
limiting long-term illness? A Scottish analysis
P. Boyle, P. Norman, P. Rees
pp 21-31

Abstract
Few epidemiological studies of the links between health and environmental variables account for the potentially confounding effects of population migration. Here we explore the relationship between self-reported limiting long-term illness and material deprivation, using individual-level 1991 census data extracted for Scotland. The aim is to investigate whether the migration patterns of ill individuals influences the relationship between limiting long-term illness and material deprivation. Specifically, we seek to determine whether individuals who are well are more likely to migrate away from deprived areas and whether ill individuals are more likely to migrate towards deprived areas. If true, this would suggest that the apparent relationship between deprivation and limiting long-term illness is exaggerated by the effects of migration. We then examine the issue controlling for individual-level characteristics expected to influence limiting long-term illness and pay special attention to the role of public housing in these relationships. 

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Poverty, social exclusion and health in Portugal
P. Santana
pp 33-45


Abstract
People in Portugal have never been so healthy. Nevertheless, there are great differences in health status between social groups and regions. In 1994, Portugal was the country with the second worst level of inequality in terms of income distribution and with the highest level of poverty in the European Union (EU). Poverty in Portugal affects mainly the elderly and women (especially in single parent families). Beyond these groups, there are the children, the ethnic minorities and the homeless. Substance abusers, the unemployed, and ex-prisoners are also strongly affected by situations of social exclusion and poverty. Although poverty has been an important issue on the political agenda in Portugal, it shows a worrying tendency to resist traditional Social Security interventions. In the late 1990s, however, welfare coverage rates appear to have risen. To what extent can poverty cause a worsening of health status? Is there any sustainable positive association between welfare and improved health status? How, to whom and when should actions to improve the health status of the disadvantaged be addressed, without subverting the health status of the rest of the population. It is also necessary to reveal the consequences of poor health to individuals, families and communities in terms of income, social empowerment and the ability to fulfil other needs. Finally, reflection on the role and effectiveness of traditional social security models is necessary, in order to improve the impact and adequacy of its interventions. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge about disadvantage, the current health situation of the most vulnerable groups in Portuguese society¯¯those affected by poverty, deprivation and social exclusion¯¯and to detect the constraints on access to health and health care. 

Author Keywords: Poverty; Social exclusion; Disadvantaged groups; Deprivation; Health inequalities; Portugal 


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