Equity is an abstract concept covering philosophical issues such as fairness and
social justice, making its definition and measurement very complex. This study
attempts to define and measure equity in health status and health care utilization
using the equity index of opportunity. The study introduces a methodology
to explain equity in terms of between- and within-group equity. While the
between-group equity implies equal treatment for equal needs, the within-group
equity implies that individuals with unequal needs should be treated unequally
according to their different needs. The proposed methodology can be applied
to any socioeconomic and demographic group. Empirical analysis is carried out
using Demographic and Health Surveys and Annual Poverty Indicator Surveys
conducted in the Philippines.
