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Mortality and socio-economic differences in Denmark: a competing risks proportional hazard model
Jakob Roland Munch1, Michael Svarer
1Institute of Economics, University of Copenhagen, Studiestraede 6, DK-1455 Copenhagen K, Denmark. jakob.roland.munch@econ.ku.dk
Economics and Human Biology
|February 22, 2005
Summary
Socio-economic factors impact mortality differently across genders and diseases in Denmark. While lower status often correlates with higher mortality in men, this link is weaker in women, with marriage increasing cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Socio-economic status (SES) is widely recognized as a determinant of health outcomes.
- Previous research indicates an inverse correlation between SES and mortality.
- However, the influence of SES on cause-specific mortality may vary by gender and population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between socio-economic factors and mortality in Denmark (1992-1997).
- To examine cause-specific mortality rates using a competing risks model.
- To identify gender-specific associations between SES and life expectancy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an extensive Danish population sample from 1992-1997.
- Employed a competing risks proportional hazard model.
- Analyzed cause-specific mortality to account for differential factor influences.
Main Results:
- The typical inverse SES-mortality correlation was largely absent for Danish women dying of cancer.
- For men, the negative SES-mortality correlation persisted for certain diseases.
- Marriage increased cancer mortality risk in women; early retirement prolonged male survival; homeownership generally increased life expectancy.
Conclusions:
- Socio-economic factors have complex and gender-differentiated effects on mortality.
- Cause-specific mortality analysis reveals nuances not captured by overall mortality.
- Public health interventions may need to consider gender-specific SES-mortality dynamics.