The effect of primary care physician supply and income inequality on mortality among Blacks and Whites in US metropolitan areas

Objectives. This study assessed whether income inequality and primary care physician supply have a different effect on mortality among Blacks compared with Whites. Methods. We conducted a multivariate ecologic analysis of 1990 data from 273 US metropolitan areas. Results. Both income inequality and primary care physician supply were significantly associated with White mortality (P.10), particularly in areas with high income inequality. Conclusions. Improvement in population health requires addressing socioeconomic determinants of health, including income inequality and primary care availability and access.