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Adopting a multilevel approach, the crux of this study is on the impact of income
and income distribution on health outcomes in Nigeria. Data from the National
Demographic and Household Surveys (NDHS) (2008) are used for empirical analysis. The
results show that absolute income has significant impact on population health in Nigeria.
However, there are significant variations in the effects of absolute income after controlling
for the measure to prevent malaria using insecticide-treated nets, percentage distribution of
the population by type of toilet facility, percentage distribution by type of refuse disposal
facility and access to healthcare facility in Nigeria. The results also show that relative
income has no significant impact on population health. Also, the Gini coefficient and the
Pietra inequality indices mimic each other for both absolute and relative incomes. The Gini
coefficient expresses a near maximum inequality for the population health due to absolute
income, and a near perfect equality of the population health due to relative income. This
empirical evidence therefore reveals that income distribution has significant impact on
health variations across states in Nigeria. We therefore conclude that there is need for
sustained implementation of sound health and income policies that will raise absolute
incomes, ensure more equitable income distribution, and enhance better healthcare delivery
in order to improve the living standard of Nigeria’s teaming population.
