Social class differences in mortality using the new UK National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Social class differences in UK health are traditionally measured using the Registrar General's Social Classification (RGSC).
• The RGSC is being superseded by the UK National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NS-SEC), which focuses on employment relations and conditions.
• The precise mechanisms driving social class disparities in health remain under investigation, with some research suggesting work characteristics play a role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the NS-SEC and mortality outcomes.
• To compare the predictive power of NS-SEC with other socio-economic status (SES) measures for mortality.
• To examine social inequalities in health and mortality within the British population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 7-year panel study (British Household Panel Survey, n = 10264) representative of British private households.
• Assessed the association of the NS-SEC with mortality across all ages and a subsample under 65.
• Analyzed other SES indicators, including income and housing tenure, in relation to mortality.

Main Results:

• The NS-SEC showed no significant association with mortality for the overall sample or for individuals under 65.
• Significant patterns of mortality inequalities were observed with other SES measures, particularly income and housing tenure.
• Income and housing tenure emerged as stronger predictors of mortality inequalities than NS-SEC in this study.

Conclusions:

• The NS-SEC alone may not fully capture the complexities of social inequalities in health and mortality.
• Incorporating additional SES measures, such as income and housing tenure, alongside NS-SEC is recommended for comprehensive analysis.
• Further research is needed to understand the interplay between different SES indicators and health outcomes.