Objectives
The aim was to study the occurrence and how equality in health was expressed in policy and activities in four Swedish municipalities in the years 2006 and 2012.
Methods
A deductive content analysis of interviews with local municipal key persons, politicians and chief executives and policy documents in the form of annual reports, in four strategically selected municipalities in the region of Mälardalen in Sweden.
Results
In the documents, terms of equality, justice and vulnerable groups did not occur. However, these themes were mentioned by politicians and officials in most of the municipalities studied, and the issues of vulnerability and exclusion occur in both documents and interviews in most municipalities. These issues were conceptualized as various support measures, such as social and economic support, integration efforts, appropriate housing, promotion of employment and to provide security and a safe childhood. These issues occurred in all the documents and in some of the interviews. Priority groups in all municipalities were children, young people and older people but also immigrants. Barriers mentioned were the lack of qualified personnel such as social workers and support staff in schools.
Conclusions
Equality, health equity and reducing the gaps are not explicitly stated in the study of the municipalities. But the insight that disadvantaged groups needs support through actions and tailored training programs and work based on the individuals’ different conditions was emphasized.