Measuring social gradients in health, lifestyles, and health seeking behavior of children in developing countries

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The existence of social gradients in health has been reported in recent years. In developing countries, where access to healthcare, availability of nutritious food, living conditions vary, differences across social class in health status, lifestyles, and healthcare use had not been elucidated. Health promotion interventions sometimes widen disparities of health between rich and poor. The objective of this study was to investigate social gradients in health of children in developing countries. Examination on height and weight of under 5 year old children, smoking behavior, healthcare of tuberculosis patients, and morbidity and treatment of Rickets revealed different patterns according to the countries. In the areas the social gradients in health exist, general health promotion intervention did not contribute to reduce the gap between the rich and poor. Equity in health, lifestyles, access to healthcare services should be addressed to all age groups and gender. The association between health status or behavior and social class varied by countries. Gradients in health by age, gender, and area of residence should be considered to develop interventions.