SERI: The Original Index
Date: September, 2002
In the past, members of MCHP created two Socio-Economic
Risk Indices (SERI) based upon census data:
Also see the SERI concept.
These indices have been used to measure regional socioeconomic risk and
the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and health status
and use of health care services.
Very data intensive, having been derived using data easily available only
in Manitoba via the MCHP databases.
As a result, they cannot be easily implemented in other jurisdictions.
While the composite 1986/91 SERI is stable over time, it may not adequately
capture time specific changes in socioeconomic status.
To overcome these issues, a socioeconomic indicator using the 1986, 1991
and 1996 censuses has been developed.
Constructing SERI
Five variables available in the MCHP databases were selected as the basis
for constructing a test index which was believed to be closely related
to low socioeconomic status.
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Four represented hospital use/health status (hospitalizations : ages 0-5
for respiratory problems, ages greater than 65 for respiratory problems,
for injuries for males, and for injuries for females).
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The fifth variable was fertility These were normalized and summed into
what was referred to as a Prototype Poor Health Status Index (PPHSI).
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Then 23 variables representing socioeconomic characteristics (see below)
were normalized regressed in a stepwise regression against that index at
the municipal level, unweighted by population. The best fitting regression
consisted of six of those variables.
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Positively related variables were: unemployment rate - ages 15-24, unemployment
rate - ages 45-54, and single-parent households headed by females.
- Negatively related variables were high school completion rate - ages 25-34,
female participation in the labor force, and dwelling value.
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The coefficients from that regression were then used as the basis for the
computation of the SERI in 1986. The 1986/91 SERI used those same six variables,
but measured in each of the two census years.
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The five elements of the BTI were also used from each of those years and
the regression of twelve independent normalized variables against the resulting
index were used to compute an updated and expanded SERI 86/91.
MORE INFORMATION
- Frohlich,N. & Mustard,C.A.(1998) Socio-Economic
Characteristics Population Health Information System 1991/92 - 1986 Census
Version Manitoba Centre for Health Policy
- Frohlich N & Carriere K.C. (1997) Issues
in Developing Indicators for Needs-Based Funding Manitoba Centre for
Health Policy
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©2003 Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP)