This study examines ethnic inequalities in health-related quality of life and five determinants of health among older adults in England. It draws on cross-sectional analysis of the nationally representative General Practice Patient Survey, involving 1,394,361 adults aged 55+ across 18 ethnic groups. The key findings show that, compared with the White British group, 1) Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Arab and Gypsy/Irish Traveller groups had markedly poorer health-related quality of life, and 2) many minority ethnic groups were disadvantaged by higher levels of long-term conditions, especially diabetes, multimorbidity, poorer primary care experiences, insufficient local service support and higher neighbourhood deprivation. The study highlights the need for structural policy change to reduce ethnic inequalities, alongside more equitable, culturally responsive health-care and local service provision that supports healthy ageing in England’s multi-ethnic population.
Geography: England, UK
Authors: Ruth Elizabeth Watkinson, Matt Sutton & Alex James Turner
Year: 2021
Citation: Watkinson, R. E., Sutton, M., & Turner, A. J. (2021). Ethnic inequalities in health-related quality of life among older adults in England: secondary analysis of a national cross-sectional survey. The Lancet Public Health, 6(3), e145-e154.
DOI or Weblink: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30287-5