We propose a method of measuring and decomposing inequity in health care utilisation that allows for heterogeneity in the use-need relationship. This makes explicit inequity that derives from unequal treatment response to variation in need, as well as that due to differential effects of non-need determinants. Under plausible conditions concerning heterogeneity in the use-need relationship and the distribution of need, existing methods that impose homogeneity will underestimate pro-rich inequity. This prediction is confirmed for four low-middle income Asian countries.

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Tinbergen Institute
hdl.handle.net/1765/26864
Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper Series
Discussion paper / Tinbergen Institute
Tinbergen Institute

Van de Poel, E., van Doorslaer, E., & O'Donnell, O. (2011). Measurement of Inequity in Health Care with Heterogeneous Response of Use to Need (No. TI 2011-155/3). Discussion paper / Tinbergen Institute (pp. 1–35). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/26864