Estimation of an index of regional health needs in Spain using count regression models with filter

The aim of this study is to obtain a measure of health needs at regional level, on the basis of information provided by the health module of the Survey of Disabilities, Deficiencies and State of Health, 1999 (SDDSH99). The methodology includes a careful selection of the independent variables and both estimations as tests of alternative regression models.The results show that, in the five analysed use dimensions, important differences exist in the clinical practice for a same health necessity (horizontal inequity) in function of the residence area. Nevertheless, the main results and conclusions indicate that, as the framework of analysis is broadened, adding different healthcare services, and as the population size of the region is increased, the relative healthcare needs converge to the percentage of population of each region.