Related Experiment Videos
Age differential mortality in Spain, 1900-1991
J Llorca1, M D Prieto, C F Alvarez
1Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Cantabria, School of Medicine, Santander, Spain.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|June 9, 1998
Summary
Mortality inequalities in Spain significantly decreased throughout the 20th century. The Gini coefficient analysis shows a downward trend, despite temporary increases due to epidemics and conflicts.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Analyzing mortality inequalities is crucial for understanding population health trends.
- The Gini coefficient offers a robust method for quantifying these disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze 20th-century interindividual mortality inequalities in Spain.
- Utilize the Gini coefficient to measure changes in mortality distribution over time.
Main Methods:
- Employed vital statistics for age-specific mortality data.
- Utilized census data for population age and sex composition.
- Estimated the Gini coefficient, ranging from 0 (uniform mortality age) to 1 (extreme mortality disparity).
Main Results:
- A consistent decrease in age-related mortality inequality was observed for both men and women.
- Temporary mortality increases occurred during the 1918 influenza epidemic and the Spanish Civil War.
- The late 1980s saw a rise in mortality inequality linked to the AIDS epidemic and traffic accidents.
Conclusions:
- Overall, Spain experienced a reduction in mortality inequalities during the 20th century.
- Specific events like epidemics and wars caused temporary setbacks in this trend.