Undiminished social class mortality differences in New Zealand men

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Previous studies in 1975-7 revealed significant social class disparities in mortality among New Zealand men aged 15-64.
• Lower social classes exhibited higher mortality rates, with the lowest class having double the rate of the highest class.
• These differences were most pronounced in younger men (<35 years).

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine social class mortality differences in New Zealand men for the 1985-7 period.
• To assess whether mortality disparities have changed in light of overall mortality declines.
• To evaluate the realization of potential preventable mortality within social strata.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of mortality data for New Zealand men aged 15-64 years.
• Comparison of mortality rates across a six-category social class scale.
• Temporal analysis comparing 1975-7 and 1985-7 periods.

Main Results:

• Overall mortality declined by 15% between the two periods.
• Social class mortality differences remained undiminished.
• The mortality gradient across social classes slightly increased in the 1985-7 period.

Conclusions:

• Social class remains a significant determinant of mortality in New Zealand men.
• Despite overall mortality improvements, the gap between social classes has not narrowed.
• There is a continuing, unaddressed potential for preventable mortality reduction by addressing social inequalities.