[Bibliometric analysis of health inequities in Spain (1980-1994)]

A bibliometrical analysis of all available studies on Spanish health inequalities (health status and use and access to health services) for the period 1980-1994 has been carried out. The main objective of the study is to specify the subject, geographic origin, place of edition and temporal distribution of all studies found. Using databases, direct consultation on libraries, and direct consultation with Public Health specialists, direct sources of information as well as sources of difficult access have been investigated. Located studies have been classified in three subjects: reviews and conceptual studies, empirical studies on Spain, empirical studies in cities, regions or Autonomous Communities. The majority of the 233 studies located are empirical, have not been published in books or journals, and they have been conducted in two Autonomous Communities (Catalonia and Valencian Community). Since the period 1986-1988 a clear increase in the number of studies as well as in their formal publication has been observed.