Income, Egalitarianism and Attitudes towards Healthcare Policy: A Study on Public Attitudes in29Countries

Journal Article
Authors

A. Azar

L. Maldonado

Juan-Carlos Castillo

J. Atria

Published

January 1, 2018

Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the relationship between income and egalitarian values and attitudes towards healthcare policy. Study design Cross-sectional and cross-national study. Methods Data for 29 countries from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) 2011 were used. The dependent variables are a general attitude towards government involvement in healthcare provision and two attitudes regarding specific policies (taxes and public funding). Income and egalitarianism were also measured by using ISSP. Data were analysed using regression models that account for individual and country-level characteristics, and country-fixed effects. Results The effect of income is small and non-significant for attitudes towards government involvement and public funding. For willingness to pay (WTP) taxes to improve healthcare services, we find a positive association with income. Results for egalitarianism suggest a positive association with government involvement in healthcare provision and significant interactions with WTP taxes. Conclusions The distinction of dimensions and mechanisms underlying policy attitudes appears as relevant. Citizens across socioeconomic groups are motivated to support state-funded healthcare, favouring the design of non-selfish policies. These findings suggest that there is space for policymakers who seek to increase healthcare spending encouraging either policies for specific groups or broader institutional changes.
How to cite this work

A. Azar, L. Maldonado, Juan-Carlos Castillo, J. Atria (2018). Income, Egalitarianism and Attitudes towards Healthcare Policy: A Study on Public Attitudes in29Countries. Public Health, 154 59–69 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2017.09.007