Income dynamics and adult mortality in the United States, 1972 through 1989.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine relationships between income and mortality, focusing on the predictive utility of single-year and multiyear measures of income, the shape of the income gradient in mortality, trends in this gradient over time, the impact of income change on mortality, and the joint effects of income and age, race, and sex on mortality risk.


METHODS
Data were taken from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for the years 1968 through 1989. Fourteen 10-year panels were constructed in which predictors were measured over the first 5 years and vital status over the subsequent 5 years. The panels were pooled and logistic regression was used in the analysis.


RESULTS
Income level was a strong predictor of mortality, especially for persons under the age of 65 years. Persistent low income was particularly consequential for mortality. Income instability was also important among middle-income individuals. Single-year and multiyear income measures had comparable predictive power. All effects persisted after adjustment for education and initial health status.


CONCLUSIONS
The issues of low income and income instability should be addressed in population health policy.
McDonough
P
P
Department of Sociology, York University, North York, Ontario, Canada.
Duncan
G J
GJ
Williams
D
D
House
J
J
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data