Male and female differences in liver cirrhosis mortality in the United States, 1961-1985.
Changes in the social roles of American women have led to questions about convergence in drinking practices and alcohol-related problems between men and women. To address this issue, we utilized mortality data for liver cirrhosis derived from United States death certificates for the years 1961 to 1985. Using age-adjusted rates, we found no evidence of a major shift toward convergence in cirrhosis mortality over this time period for the total population. When age-specific rates were examined, we found evidence for increasing divergence in liver cirrhosis mortality rates for those under the age of 55, whereas the general trend among the older age groups was toward convergence. Straightforward interpretation of the results is hampered by the lack of research in related areas, but the findings do suggest that greater public and professional education may serve a preventive purpose for older U.S. females.
Hasin
D S
DS
Columbia University, New York, New York.
Grant
B
B
Harford
T C
TC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology