Post neonatal mortality rates--Scotland.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Demography

Background:

• Post neonatal mortality rates in Scotland have converged with those in North and South England since 1975.
• Health inequalities persist across socioeconomic strata and marital status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in post neonatal mortality rates in Scotland.
• To examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, legitimacy of birth, and mortality rates.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical mortality data in Scotland.
• Comparison of rates across different social classes and legitimacy status.

Main Results:

• Scotland's post neonatal mortality rates are now comparable to England's.
• Social Class V exhibits higher mortality than Social Class I.
• Illegitimacy correlates with higher mortality, mirroring Social Class V rates.
• The increasing prevalence of illegitimate births (18%) now better reflects infant deprivation than Social Class V (5%).

Conclusions:

• While national health inequality has reduced, socioeconomic and legitimacy-based disparities in infant mortality persist.
• Illegitimate births are a significant indicator of social deprivation, surpassing traditional social class markers.