Socio-economic differences in mortality. A life course approach

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding differential mortality patterns is crucial for public health and social policy.
• Previous studies often analyzed static attributes, potentially missing dynamic survival influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differential mortality in Norway using longitudinal data.
• To propose and test models that account for the interaction of survival determinants over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized linked census and vital registration data from Norway (1960, 1970, 1980).
• Developed two models: one based on static states and another considering the chronological order of states.
• Applied logistic regression to analyze life trajectories.

Main Results:

• Identified that married individuals in privileged socioeconomic categories exhibit the most favorable life trajectories for both males and females.
• Observed sex-specific differences, with economically inactive females and employees also demonstrating favorable survival paths.
• The chronological model highlighted the importance of state transitions in understanding mortality differences.

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic status and marital status are significant predictors of favorable life trajectories and survival.
• Acknowledging the dynamic nature of individual attributes and their sequence is essential for a comprehensive understanding of mortality.
• Policy interventions could target socioeconomic and marital support to improve population survival rates.