Social-economic Inequalities and Risk Groups Vulnerability in SEE Countries

Abstract

The aim of this module is to explore the connection between certain social and economic factors and conditions as determinants of vulnerability and social exclusion of some risk groups and possible main changes in the health status of the population in South Eastern European countries within the last almost twenty years of post-communist transition. The available data regarding the demographics, economic and health statistics of the morbidity and causes of death, as well as the expected influence of various social-economic factors to certain risk and vulnerable groups and their possible health consequences, were analyzed. Based on the observations and conclusions, directions and suggestions are given for appropriate strategies and programmes directed toward mitigating and overcoming the adverse conditions and problems related to the health status and health protection of the vulnerable groups and the total population in the SEE countries.