Measuring disadvantage: changes in the underprivileged area, Townsend, and Carstairs scores 1981-91.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the intercensal change for each of the underprivileged area (UPA), Townsend, and Carstairs scores calculated from 1981 and 1991 census data.


METHODS
England and Wales.


METHODS
The method described enables comparison of change in composite scores such as the UPA, Townsend, and Carstairs scores which are derived from normalised variables. The national values of equivalent variables derived from the censuses are calculated and normalised on the same baseline of the 1981 electoral ward mean and SD values. The resultant change in composite scores for different censuses can then be compared directly.


METHODS
Change in the composite score values for the 1991 census when compared with the 1981 census.


RESULTS
For England and Wales, the UPA score increased by 5.62 units (0.35 of the SD) but the Townsend and Carstairs scores fell by 2.39 and 1.13 units respectively (0.71 and 0.33 of the SDs).


CONCLUSIONS
The Townsend and Carstairs scores are good measures of material deprivation and show a general improvement as such between 1981 and 1991. The UPA score, however, includes additional factors relating to family structure, social deprivation, and health need and shows a decline in the overall situation.
Dolan
S A
SA
Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London.
Jarman
B
B
Bajekal
M
M
Davies
P M
PM
Hart
D
D
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003710:Demography; D006801:Humans; D011204:Poverty Areas; D017062:Small-Area Analysis; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology