Özet:

This study examines the determinants of health status in Turkey. Moreover, this is the first study up to date that explores the indoor air pollution as an additional factor of health. The analysis relies on detailed micro-level data derived by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) Cross Sectional Income and Living Conditions Survey over the years 2006-2012. Using Pseudo-Panel Data, an Adapted Probit Fixed Effects Model is applied to control for time invariant characteristics of the regions, thereby eliminating potentially large sources of bias. Furthermore, the Random-Effects Ordered Logit Model is applied for robustness check. Various determinants, including individual and household characteristics, such as socio-economic status, are examined. The findings show that income and education are the most important socio-economic determinants of health followed by the marital and employment status. Furthermore, estimations for the type of fuel used for heating in dwelling as a proxy for indoor air pollution show that individuals that use natural gas and electricity report higher levels of health outcomes compared to those who use wood and coal. Overall, the findings point out the importance of policies on the education reconstruction, income distribution, clean environment, improvement of health status and reduction of health inequalities.    

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