People living in deprived areas are four-times more likely to report not having good health, a new study finds.
The research from Pobal found people living in the most disadvantaged areas are four and a half times more likely to report not having good health than those in the most affluent areas.
The Pobal HP Deprivation Index says close to 200,000 people are currently living in areas of extreme deprivation.
These areas are characterised by concentrated unemployment, low educational attainment, higher rates of low-skilled work and greater numbers of single-parent families.
Those living in the most disadvantaged areas in Ireland are twice as likely to report having a disability, while children growing up in extremely disadvantaged areas have reported disability rates which are only seen among people nearing retirement age in affluent areas of around 7%.
Pobal says the findings demonstrate "the need to address health inequality gaps and ensure strong provision of health and social care services in less affluent areas."
'A direct link'
Pobal’s Research and Policy Manager Alana Ryan said the research examined the relationship between geographic disadvantage and health inequalities.
"The findings demonstrate a direct link between how deprived an area is and the health of its population," she said.
"Approximately 5% of people living in very affluent areas report not having good health, with this figure rising to over 20% for those living in very or extremely disadvantaged areas.
“A similar relationship is seen in rates of disability.
"On average, almost one in every three people living in a very or extremely deprived areas experience a condition or disability. In the most affluent areas, this rate drops to less than half of that number, to just 14%".
The report also found urban deprived areas have a slightly higher rate of disability than rural deprived areas.
Ms Ryan said the data provides "tangible evidence for enhanced health and social care services in deprived areas ranging from early intervention initiatives to targeted disability supports, which are responsive to local needs".
