Is the wealth index a proxy for consumption expenditure? A systematic review. Issue 11 (29th April 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Howe, L D; Hargreaves, J R; Gabrysch, S; Huttly, S R A
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 63:Issue 11(2009)
• Page Start: 871
• Page End: 877
• Publication Date: 2009-04-29
• Subjects: Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2009.088021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Many epidemiological studies require a measure of socioeconomic position. The monetary measure preferred by economists is consumption expenditure; the wealth index has been proposed as a reliable, simple alternative to expenditure and is extensively used. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of the agreement between wealth indices and consumption expenditure, summarising the agreement and exploring factors affecting agreement. Results: Seventeen studies using 36 datasets met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 22 demonstrated weak agreement, 10 moderate agreement, and four strong agreement. There was some evidence that agreement is higher: in middle-income settings; in urban areas; for wealth indices with a greater number of indicators; and for wealth indices including a wider range of indicators. Conclusions: The wealth index is mostly a poor proxy for consumption expenditure.