INTRODUCTION

Health inequality-particularly income-related health inequality-poses a global challenge, significantly affecting social and economic well-being. While previous research has investigated the link between income inequality and various health outcomes, including chronic diseases, studies focusing on multimorbidity remain limited.

METHODS

This study examines how income inequality affects multimorbidity in China, drawing on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. By employing the Kakwani Index, the analysis evaluates income inequality at the individual level and utilizes Latent Class Analysis to identify multimorbidity patterns. The research further explores how these effects vary across different age groups and regions. The study investigates the role of household economic decisions in shaping health outcomes. RIF regression is used to break down the contribution of income inequality to health disparities.

RESULTS

Lower relative wage income was strongly associated with an increased number of chronic diseases and heightened likelihood of specific multimorbidity patterns, particularly Respiratory-Cardiovascular diseases and overall disease burden. Redistribution of income partially alleviated the negative impact of income inequality on health outcomes. The effects of income inequality on health differ notably across age groups and geographical regions. Developmental expenditures (e.g., improving living conditions) were more effective in addressing income-related health disparities than direct increases in healthcare spending.

DISCUSSION

Policy responses need to focus on targeted income redistribution strategies and increased investment in developmental initiatives to address these growing health inequalities.