Long-term trends in educational inequalities in alcohol-attributable mortality, and their impact on trends in educational inequalities in life expectancy
2024

Trends in Educational Inequalities in Alcohol-Attributable Mortality and Life Expectancy

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zazueta-Borboa Jesús-Daniel, Van Hemelrijck Wanda M. J., Zengarini Nicolás, Sizer Alison, Kunst Anton E., Martikainen Pekka, Janssen Fanny

Primary Institution: Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute-KNAW

Hypothesis

How have long-term trends in educational inequalities in alcohol-attributable mortality impacted educational inequalities in life expectancy in three European countries?

Conclusion

Alcohol-attributable mortality significantly contributes to educational inequalities in life expectancy, particularly among low-educated groups.

Supporting Evidence

  • AAM increased more among the low-educated than the high-educated in England and Wales and Finland.
  • In Finland and Turin, AAM decreased more among the low-educated than the high-educated.
  • AAM contributed significantly to the increase in educational inequalities in life expectancy in England and Wales and Finland.

Takeaway

This study shows that people with less education are more likely to die from alcohol-related causes, which affects how long they live compared to those with more education.

Methodology

The study analyzed cause-specific mortality data by educational group for individuals aged 30 and older in England and Wales, Finland, and Turin (Italy) from 1972 to 2017 using segmented regression analysis.

Potential Biases

The small sample sizes and the different methods used for estimating alcohol-attributable mortality across countries may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be directly applicable to Italy as a whole due to regional differences in alcohol consumption and mortality.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on individuals aged 30 and older, categorized by educational attainment (low, middle, high).

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355840

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