Summary article ‘Reducing health inequities: is
universal basic income the way forward?’ – Ruckert,
Huynh, & Labonté (2017)
Universal basic income (UBI) is defined as unconditional income
granted to each citizen, irrespective of work criteria or a means test.
Income is widely considered to be the most important social determinant
of health (SDH), as it interacts with, and influences a number of other SDH
pathways.
UBI has the potential to counteract the income inequalities and reduce
health inequities.
UBI and early child health development
Basic income support has a significantly positive effect on birth outcomes
(birth weight) Income supplements enabled access to better neonatal
nutrition and healthcare.
Early child development is a significant factor influencing cognitive,
behavioural and physical domains in children which impacts health results
later in life.
UBI and education attainment
Education has a prominent role in shaping long-term economic, physical
and mental health outcomes, and interacts with income over the life-
course.
The provision of a basic income is associated with improved literacy,
reduced dropouts and improved grades.
Higher levels of educational attainment better health outcomes (labour
market, social support, lifestyle).
An income transfer allocated to parents can lead to better school
attendance and improved grades, while economic support can allow
individuals to continue their education through tertiary levels, improving
their employability, income security and overall health.
UBI and mental health
Persons with insecure income and lesser educational status can
experience elevated risk of morbidity and stress income security is a
key factor in protecting mental health.
UBI and housing security
Living in economically deprived communities is associated with poorer
health status, higher crime and school dropout rates, and juvenile
misbehaviour.
Families who moved to better neighbourhoods had improved college
attendance and income for children.
universal basic income the way forward?’ – Ruckert,
Huynh, & Labonté (2017)
Universal basic income (UBI) is defined as unconditional income
granted to each citizen, irrespective of work criteria or a means test.
Income is widely considered to be the most important social determinant
of health (SDH), as it interacts with, and influences a number of other SDH
pathways.
UBI has the potential to counteract the income inequalities and reduce
health inequities.
UBI and early child health development
Basic income support has a significantly positive effect on birth outcomes
(birth weight) Income supplements enabled access to better neonatal
nutrition and healthcare.
Early child development is a significant factor influencing cognitive,
behavioural and physical domains in children which impacts health results
later in life.
UBI and education attainment
Education has a prominent role in shaping long-term economic, physical
and mental health outcomes, and interacts with income over the life-
course.
The provision of a basic income is associated with improved literacy,
reduced dropouts and improved grades.
Higher levels of educational attainment better health outcomes (labour
market, social support, lifestyle).
An income transfer allocated to parents can lead to better school
attendance and improved grades, while economic support can allow
individuals to continue their education through tertiary levels, improving
their employability, income security and overall health.
UBI and mental health
Persons with insecure income and lesser educational status can
experience elevated risk of morbidity and stress income security is a
key factor in protecting mental health.
UBI and housing security
Living in economically deprived communities is associated with poorer
health status, higher crime and school dropout rates, and juvenile
misbehaviour.
Families who moved to better neighbourhoods had improved college
attendance and income for children.
