28/09/2007
A study carried out in the Ile-de-France region – Paris and surrounding area – shows that social inequalities are a determining factor on the health conditions of the French.  According to the study sponsored by the Economic and Social Council of the Ile de France, statistics pointed out that people with a low income were more likely to get ill or die prematurely. Twice as many jobless people have acknowledged being in poor health compared to skilled employees.

The research also investigated the mental health of the Ile de France population. One out of five inhabitants is either depressed or suffers from mental disorders.

The study also shows that there are gaps between different areas within the same region. For example, in the Seine Saint-Denis area, north of Paris, life expectancy is rather low and on average, inhabitants live two years less than Parisians.  This area is a "blue collar" area with a high percentage of migrants. These statistics show that health inequalities are caused by differences in social status.