Sajjadi H¹ (MD), Vameghi M² * (MD), Madani Ghahfarokhi S³ (PhD)

  ¹ Social Medicine Specialist, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ² Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Social Welfare Research Group, University of Social Welfare and rehabilitation, Tehran, Iran

  ³ PhD in Criminology

  Received: 8 Dec 2011, Accepted: 8 Dec 2012

  Abstract

  Introduction: The relationship between social factors and individuals’ health status is a major issue nowadays. This study aimed to identify the relationship between income and physical health of individuals and households as well as relationship mechanisms by reviewing the studies performed in the country during 2000-2007.

  Methods: In this study, we reviewed library documents and sources. Data on relationship between income, health and disease were extracted, classified, described and analyzed based on indicators mentioned in a checkout list.

  Results: In this study, we collected 47 research documents on economic status and physical and mental health. Most studies (76.5%) had found significant relationships between health status and economic indicators. A few studies (6.7%) had rejected the relationship, and 17% had presented both types of findings. Almost 40% of the studies had reported significant relationship between income and health demonstrating worse situation among the poor.

  Conclusion: Most of the studies had shown relationships between income and health status however, cause and effect relationship cannot be inferred. It seems that mechanisms of economic status impact on health and vice versa have not been investigated by authors independently. Performing systematic reviews in order to achieve more studies in this field is recommended.

  Key words: h ealth, income, Iran, social determinant