Gendered mortality differentials over the rural-urban continuum: The analysis of census linked longitudinal data from England and Wales

This study investigates urban-rural mortality variation in England and Wales and the causes of this variation.MethodThe study applies survival analysis to the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study; the population aged 20 and older in 2001 is followed for 10 years.Results and conclusionsThe analysis demonstrates a clear urban-rural mortality gradient, with the risk of dying increasing with each level of urbanisation. The exceptions are those living in areas adjacent to London, who consistently exhibit lower mortality than anticipated. Once the models are adjusted to individuals’ socio-economic characteristics, the variation across the urban-rural continuum reduces substantially, although the gradient persists suggesting contextual effects. Females are found to be influenced more by their surrounding environment and males by their socio-economic position, although both experience lower mortality in rural compared to urban areas.
Source: Social Science and Medicine - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research