Addressing Health Inequalities in Greece: A Comprehensive Framework for Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The study proposes an indicator-based framework for monitoring health inequalities in Greece by examining key socioeconomic and health-related determinants. Methods: The framework draws on the World Health Organization’s Social Determinants of Health model and the Dahlgren–Whitehead model, using Eurostat data (2008–2023). Results: Life expectancy at birth showed a moderate negative correlation with public health expenditures (r = −0.716), while healthy life years were positively linked with GDP (r = 0.765) and public health expenditures (r = 0.743). Self-perceived health was strongly negatively correlated with poverty risk (r = −0.864). Chronic conditions and functional limitations were inversely associated with GDP and health spending. Social factors also mattered: healthy life years correlated negatively with unemployment (r = −0.814) and positively with employment (r = 0.810). Educational attainment influenced both self-perceived health and reported health problems. Conclusions: This framework goes beyond existing WHO/EU models by systematically integrating economic, social, and health outcome indicators tailored to the Greek context. It provides a comprehensive view of the determinants impacting health in Greece, enabling policymakers to tackle the underlying causes of health inequalities and enhance both the fairness and efficiency of healthcare services. Strengthening primary healthcare is crucial to reducing unmet medical needs, minimizing private health expenditures, and improving overall public health.