Understanding the impact of fertility history on health outcomes in later life
Williamson, L. & Dibben, C. (2015) 2015 Census Conference 'Census Applications: Using the UK’s population census data', Univ of Manchester, UK, 16 - 17 July 2015 [SLS]
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Abstract:
The aim of this research, involving data linkage and health outcomes, is to gain a full understanding of the impact of both fertility histories and childlessness on health outcomes mid-life. The research draws on and extends work on reproductive histories and life-course outcomes. We aim to extend this area of research specifically for Scotland based on Scottish Census data (1991-2011), namely the Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS) linked to health data from the NHS Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR).
Where the census health measures, including the new 2011 Census health condition question on mental health, are the research outcomes and the explanatory information is from Census socio-economic data captured along with the SMR02 Maternity Inpatient and Day Case dataset and the SMR04 Mental Health Inpatient and Day Case dataset.
The SLS allows follow-up to mid-life for specific female SLS birth cohorts from the 1991 Census. From preliminary modelling we find high birth parity to be an important factor in relation to self-reported mental health conditions. For limiting long-term illness birth parity is initially important but not once socio-economic variables are controlled for. Preliminary modelling also highlights that relationship status, single, married or cohabiting, to be important over that of legal marital status as recorded at Census.
