Early life Conditions and Trends in Mortality at Later Life: Is There any Relationship?
2011

Early Life Conditions and Mortality Trends

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Amiri Masoud

Primary Institution: Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences

Hypothesis

Is there a relationship between early life conditions and mortality at later decades of life?

Conclusion

The study found that while there is a general decline in mortality from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and gastric cancer, the relationship with early life conditions is complex and varies by disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mortality from ischemic heart disease and stroke has decreased in developed countries over recent decades.
  • An overall decline in mortality rates from these diseases was observed from 1950 to 2005.
  • The relationship between infant mortality rates and adult mortality from stroke was found to be strong.
  • Mortality trends for gastric cancer were positively correlated with infant mortality rates across different cohorts.

Takeaway

This study looks at how the way we live when we're young can affect how long we live later. It found that some diseases are linked to early life conditions, but it's not always clear how.

Methodology

The study analyzed mortality trends from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and gastric cancer across seven European countries, considering the impact of early life living conditions.

Limitations

The study's findings may be confounded by changes in medical care and other socioeconomic factors over time.

Participant Demographics

Populations from seven European countries including Denmark, England and Wales, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

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