The Nurse Manpower Distribution at State Hospitals of Iran by Lorenz Curve and Gini Index During 2001-2006

The equity in health and inequity elimination in health sector is one of the most important challenges of health systems in the world, especially in develo-ping countries. The present research aimed to explore the nurse manpower distribution at state hospitals of Iran by Lorenz curve and Gini index during 2001-2006. Methods & Materials: The method used in the study was a descriptive analytical, retr-ospective and longitudinal one. The data were analyzed using Excel Software by Lorenz Curve and Gini index estimation. The findings of the study showed that among the proportions for the number of nurses in population, the highest propo-rtion was for Semnan province over all the years studied and the lowest proportion was for Hamedan in 2001, for Kohkilouye va Boyerahmad from 2001 to 2003 and for Sistan va Balouchestan from 2004 to 2006, respectively. Also, the Gini coefficients for nurses were 0.0274, 0.0094, 0.0226, 0.0002, 0.0007 and 0.0402 from 2001 to 2006. Discussion & Findings of the study indicated that in spite of a difference in the proportion of nurses among the inv-estigated provinces, an equal distribution of nurses has been established at state hos-pitals according to the Gini index and Lor-enz curve. The findings can provide useful insight for health policy-makers.