Toch, M., Menvielle, G., Eikemo, T.A., Mackenbach, J. & EURO-GBD-SE consortium (2011) PopFest, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, 27 - 29 June 2011 [SLS]

Other information: Abstract: In the last decades life expectancy has shown a remarkable increase. However, substantial differences in mortality are still observed and may even be increasing between socioeconomic groups. Previous research focussed mainly on educational rather then occupational class inequalities. Such inequalities are unfair, unnecessary and avoidable, but cross country comparisons can help identify the scope for reduction. Europe is a unique region this respect, as it’s inter country population characteristics as well as history and development in between countries differ, and highly reliable and comparable data on mortality and socioeconomic position are available in the majority of the countries. The aim of this study was to investigate occupational inequalities in cause-specific and all-cause mortality in Europe at the start of the new millennium. We analysed nationally representative data on cause- specific and all-cause mortality by occupational class from 13 countries all over Europe. We applied cross- sectional and longitudinal data obtained from population censuses and mortality registries from each country analysed. Data were centrally harmonized which enhances cross-country comparability. Men and women from age 30 to 64 are analysed. Occupational class was analyzed according to upper and lower non- manual, skilled and unskilled manual workers, self- employed as well as farmers. In order to assess the magnitude of occupational class inequalities, rate ratios for cause-specific and all-cause mortality are estimated with Poisson regression. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to correct for an underestimation of mortality inequalities due to exclusion of economic inactive persons. This study contributes to the aim of tackling inequalities in Europe, as it analyses mortality inequalities by occupational class with recent, comprehensive and comparable data from 13 European countries.

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Output from project: 2011-003