Inequalities in mortality by education and socio-economic transition in Lithuania: equal opportunities?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the changes in mortality differentials by level of education during the period of socio-economic transition in Lithuania.


METHODS
This analysis was based on routine mortality statistics and census data for 1989 and 2001 for the entire country.


RESULTS
Despite a general improvement in the level of education in the Lithuanian population, some negative educational patterns were observed amongst its young members. Increasing inequalities in mortality by education have occurred due to a declining mortality rate in people with higher educational achievements and, conversely, an increasing mortality rate in people with a low level of education. Mortality inequalities by education amongst females exceeded those amongst males in 2001, particularly in middle-aged groups and due to external causes. The results of this survey predict an unfavourable forecast of increasing health inequalities in Lithuania in the near future.


CONCLUSIONS
General policies for health promotion and disease prevention should be based on the realities faced by lower educated groups, rather than on experiences that are general for the total population or the class of society that has at least achieved an average education. Inequalities in health by the level of education should plateau as the society-at-large enters into a more stable stage of social and economic development.
Kalediene
R
R
Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Kaunas University of Medicine, Mickevicius St 9, 3000 Kaunas, Lithuania. kaleda@kaunas.omnitel.net
Petrauskiene
J
J
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality; D019352:Censuses; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D019456:Health Transition; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012922:Social Change; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors