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Social group and mortality in Finland
British Journal of Preventive & Social Medicine
|December 1, 1977
Summary
Mortality rates in Finland reveal significant social disparities. Higher social classes generally experienced lower mortality, while unskilled workers faced the highest rates, impacting life expectancy by up to 7.2 years.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Medicine
Background:
- Social class is a known determinant of health outcomes.
- Understanding these disparities is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality rates across different social groups in Finland.
- To identify specific diseases and causes of death associated with social stratification.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 179,919 death certificates from 1969-1972 in Finland.
- Comparison of mortality rates based on social group classifications.
- Life table analysis to assess differences in life expectancy.
Main Results:
- Mortality was lowest in the highest social groups and highest among unskilled workers.
- Males in lower salaried groups had high mortality from coronary heart disease.
- In Northern Finland, agricultural populations showed high female mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
- Breast cancer, intestinal cancer, and female suicides were concentrated in higher social classes.
- Social group differences contributed to a life expectancy gap of up to 7.2 years.
Conclusions:
- Significant social inequalities in mortality exist in Finland.
- Improved occupational data recording is essential for national health policy.
- Regular publication of occupation-specific mortality rates is recommended.
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