Inequalities in risks and outcomes in a health transitioning country: A review of a large national cohort of thai adults

Vasoontara Yiengprugsawan*, Sharon Friel, Sam Ang Seubsman, Adrian C. Sleigh

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    This article reviews inequalities in health risks and outcomes based on a large longitudinal cohort study of distance-learning adult students enrolled at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (n = 87,134). The study began in 2005 and the first follow-up was completed in 2009. Risks analyzed for health inequalities were divided into demographic, socioeconomic, geographical, behavioral, and environmental groups. Unequal risks and outcomes identified that would be amenable to policy interventions in transitional Thailand include the following: heat stress—contributing to many adverse outcomes, including occupational injury, psychological distress, and kidney disease; urbanization—unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyles, low social capital, and poor mental health; obesity—increasingly common especially with rising income and age among men; and injury— big problem for young males and associated with excessive alcohol and dangerous transport. These substantial inequalities require attention from multisectoral policy makers to reduce the gaps and improve health of the Thai population.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1-8
    Number of pages8
    JournalSAGE Open
    Volume3
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 17 Sept 2013

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Inequalities in risks and outcomes in a health transitioning country: A review of a large national cohort of thai adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this