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The Canadian census mortality follow-up study, 1991 through 2001
Russell Wilkins1, Michael Tjepkema, Cameron Mustard
1Health Information and Research Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. Russell.Wilkins@statcan.gc.ca
Health Reports
|October 14, 2008
Summary
Health inequalities persist, with lower socio-economic status linked to higher mortality rates. This study examined mortality across Canadian census groups, revealing a clear socio-economic gradient in health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Monitoring health inequalities is crucial for policy development.
- Socio-economic status (SES) is a key determinant of health outcomes.
- Understanding mortality distributions across diverse groups is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To link Canadian census data with mortality records.
- To analyze mortality rates across various socio-economic and demographic groups.
- To identify patterns of health inequalities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 15% sample of the 1991 Canadian census long-form questionnaire.
- Linked census data to mortality records from June 1991 to December 2001.
- Calculated age-specific and age-standardized mortality rates and hazard ratios.
Main Results:
- Elevated mortality rates were observed in lower socio-economic status groups.
- A consistent socio-economic gradient in mortality was found across education, occupation, and income.
- The gradient was steeper for individuals at the lower end of the socio-economic hierarchy.
Conclusions:
- Lower socio-economic status is strongly associated with increased mortality risk in Canada.
- Census data linkage provides a valuable tool for studying health inequalities.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce health disparities.
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