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Published on: January 7, 2013
Why is the educational gradient of mortality steeper for men?
Jennifer Karas Montez1, Mark D Hayward, Dustin C Brown
1Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. jennkaras@prc.utexas.edu
Summary
The educational gradient of mortality is steeper for unmarried men, particularly those with low education, who may lack social support for healthy behaviors. Marriage mitigates this disparity.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- The educational gradient of mortality, steeper for men than women, lacks a definitive explanation.
- Marriage's role in moderating socioeconomic health disparities is under-examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in mortality gradients by education.
- To determine if marital status influences these gradients.
- To explore the roles of health behaviors and spousal education.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1986-1996 National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files.
- Inclusion of non-Hispanic White adults aged 55-84.
- Estimation using Cox proportional hazards models (N=180,208).
Main Results:
- Overall mortality gradient marginally steeper for men.
- Significantly steeper gradient for unmarried men, especially low-educated, never-married men.
- Steeper gradient for unmarried men in smoking-related causes of death.
- No gender difference in mortality gradient observed among married adults.
Conclusions:
- Low education and unmarried status synergistically increase men's mortality risk.
- Unmarried, low-educated men may lack social support for positive health behaviors.
- Marriage appears to equalize the educational gradient of mortality between genders.
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