Socioeconomic inequalities across life and premature mortality from 1971 to 2016: findings from three British birth cohorts born in 1946, 1958, and 1970

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionDisadvantaged socioeconomic position (SEP) in early and adult life has been repeatedly associated with premature mortality. However, it is unclear whether these inequalities differ across time, nor if they are consistent across different SEP indicators.MethodsBritish birth cohorts born in 1946, 1958 and 1970 were used, and multiple SEP indicators in early and adult life were examined. Deaths were identified via national statistics or notifications. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations between SEP indicators and mortality risk—from 26-43 (n=40,784), 26-58 (n=35,431), and 26-70 years (n=5,353).ResultsMore disadvantaged SEP was associated with higher mortality risk—magnitudes of association were similar across cohort and each SEP indicator. For example, hazards ratios (95% CI) between 26-43 years comparing lowest to highest father’s social class were 2.74 (1.02—7.32) in 1946c, 1.66 (1.03—2.69) in 1958c, and 1.94 (1.20—3.15) in 1970c. Childhood social class, adult social class, and housing tenure were each independently associated with mortality risk.ConclusionsSocioeconomic circumstances in early and adult life appear to have had persisting associations with premature mortality from 1971—2016. This reaffirms the need to address socioeconomic factors across life to reduce inequalities in survival to older age.