The increasing disparity in mortality between socioeconomic groups in the United States, 1960 and 1986

Article Abstract:

The mortality rate for the poor and the poorly educated in the United States has not declined as quickly as the rate for those of higher socioeconomic standing. The death rate has decreased since 1960, but the disparity in the mortality rate between those of higher socioeconomic status and those of lower status has increased. Mortality rates for more than 40,000 people were analyzed using data from two 1986 surveys: the National Mortality Followback Survey and the National Health Interview Survey. Mortality rates for people between 25 and 64 years old were evaluated according to a variety of variables including race, income and sex. For study purposes, socioeconomic standing was determined using variables of income and educational level. Results were compared with the 1960 Matched Record Study which illuminated the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and higher mortality rates. Comparison of the data shows that the link between mortality and lower educational level has become stronger over the past 26 years.

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Educational status and active life expectancy among older blacks and whites

Article Abstract:

Educational level is most strongly associated with predicting active life expectancy of blacks and whites 65 years old and older. It is a more significant predictor of active life and total life expectancy than race. A study of 2,219 blacks and 1,838 whites found that men and women who were 65 years old and who had 12 or more years of education had a two-to-four year longer active life expectancy than participants with less education. Measurements of active life expectancy included assessing participants' abilities to dress, wash and eat by themselves, as well as their ability to use the toilet without assistance and their ability to walk across a room unassisted. Study participants were initially interviewed in 1986 and 1987 and contacted yearly thereafter. Those who were classified as disabled during the first interview had a mortality rate two-to-three times higher than those who were not initially classified as disabled.

Patient outcomes, Education, Whites, African American aged, African American elderly

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Inequalities in health

Article Abstract:

Several studies have shown that low social status can have a negative impact on health even in groups that are not poor. Even in rich countries such as the US, life expectancy has a pronounced social gradient even when personal income is excluded.

Editorial

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