Socioeconomic Disparities in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Decomposition Analysis of Health Inequalities

This study investigates socioeconomic disparities in chronic respiratory diseases and the factors contributing to these inequalities, using data from the 2019 Turkish Health Survey. Multivariate logistic regression and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analyses reveal that 13.10% of adults aged 25 and older in Turkey suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, with a significantly higher prevalence among lower socioeconomic status (SES) individuals. Key risk factors include older age, being female, smoking, and an unhealthy diet, with age and gender being the dominant contributors to SES-related disparities, while smoking and diet play smaller roles. Fundamental cause theory highlights how SES influences health outcomes, demonstrating the need for addressing these mechanisms through the intersection of public health and social work. Social work implications include advocating for systemic change, expanding healthcare access, and developing community programs. Public health efforts should address structural determinants, reduce environmental hazards, and ensure culturally sensitive interventions for vulnerable populations.