Marital Status and Mortality in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Ikeda Ai, Iso Hiroyasu, Toyoshima Hideaki, Fujino Yoshihisa, Mizoue Tetsuya, Yoshimura Takesumi, Inaba Yutaka, Tamakoshi Akiko
Primary Institution: University of Tsukuba
Hypothesis
The risk of mortality from major diseases and all causes would be higher among widowed, divorced, and single persons than among those who are married.
Conclusion
Single status was associated with a higher risk of mortality than was married status for both men and women.
Supporting Evidence
- Single men had 2.0 to 3.5-fold higher risks of mortality from various diseases compared to married men.
- Never-married women showed a smaller but significant increase in mortality risk from all causes.
- Divorced and widowed men had higher mortality risks from cardiovascular disease and all causes compared to married men.
Takeaway
Being single or divorced can make you more likely to get sick and die earlier than if you are married.
Methodology
This study used a prospective design with self-administered questionnaires and followed participants for an average of 9.9 years.
Potential Biases
Differential follow-up among marital status categories may have affected the results.
Limitations
Potential confounding factors may still affect the results, and the study did not analyze the effects of marital transitions over time.
Participant Demographics
The study included 110,792 individuals aged 40 to 79, with 46,465 men and 64,327 women.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.03–4.60 for cardiovascular disease mortality in never-married men.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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