Abstract

BackgroundThe higher mortality rate among the Finnish-speaking majority than among the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland is well established. The reasons for this phenomenon are only partially known. We aim to find out whether the social resources associated with the proportion of Swedish speakers in a locality result in lower mortality due to external and alcohol-related causes, and whether or not this also affects the Finnish-speaking residents. MethodsThe register data are based on an 11% sample of Finns aged 30 years or more at the end of 1995 – with an over-sample of deaths covering 80% of all deaths in the period 1996–2005. ResultsLiving in areas in which Swedish speakers are more prevalent has a favourable effect on mortality among Swedish-speaking females. Among the males the large difference in relative mortality between the language groups did not generally vary by area type. ConclusionWe found indications that a higher concentration of Swedish speakers resulted in lower mortality in Swedish-speaking females and, to a lesser extent, in older males. The local environment is evidently an important factor and deserves attention in future research.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.