[Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in the Basque Country [Spain]].
OBJECTIVE
To describe socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in the Basque Country, using mortality and socioeconomic data by census sections.


METHODS
Mortality and population data were obtained from the Basque Institute of Statistics. Socioeconomic characteristics of the census sections were assigned to each death and a deprivation index combining information from four socioeconomic indicators was computed. Age-adjusted mortality rates by sex, age group (0-64 > or = 65) and cause of death were calculated for each quintile of the deprivation index. Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate age-adjusted rate ratios and excess mortality attributable to inequalities.


RESULTS
Mortality showed a gradient according to the deprivation index in men and women. Mortality was greater in the most deprived sections. Mortality inequalities were observed in men younger than 65 years. A total of 9.3% of deaths in men and 4.9% of those in women were attributable to socioeconomic inequalities. The relative importance of the cause of death differed according to the inequality measure used. Lifestyle-related causes of death were notable.


CONCLUSIONS
This study illustrates the potential utility of census section socioeconomic indicators both to describe socioeconomic inequalities in mortality and to identify priorities for interventions.
Servicio de Estudios e Investigación Sanitaria, Dirección de Planificación y Ordenación Sanitaria, Departamento de Sanidad, Gobierno Vasco, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, España. sesnaola@ej-gv.es
Santiago
S
Esnaola
Elena
E
Aldasoro
Rosa
R
Ruiz
Covadonga
C
Audicana
Yolanda
Y
Pérez
Montse
M
Calvo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology