Mortality inequalities from major causes of death in Lithuania by education during 2001-2014

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to evaluate mortality inequalities from major causes of death by education in Lithuania during 2001-2014. Methods Information on deaths (aged 30+) from cardiovascular diseases (ICD-10 codes I00-I99), cancer (ICD-10 codes C00-C97), external causes (ICD-10 codes V01-Y98), and digestive system diseases (ICD-10 codes K00-K93) was obtained from Statistics Lithuania. Mortality rates from these causes were calculated by the level of education (high (post-secondary non-tertiary, tertiary) and low (unknown, preprimary or no education, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary)) per 100,000 person-years. For the assessment of mortality trends during 2001-2014, the Joinpoint regression analysis was applied. Results During the analyzed period, mortality from all major causes was higher in the lower educational group (p < 0.05). The most prominent differences in mortality rates between educational groups were found from external causes and cardiovascular diseases. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases (by 2.22% per year), cancer (by 1.87% per year) and particularly from external causes (by 5.2% per year) declined in higher educational group (p < 0.05). In the lower educational groups mortality declined only from cardiovascular diseases (by 0.73% per year), however mortality increased from cancer (by 0.64% per year) and digestion system diseases (by 5.20% per year) (p < 0.05). Conclusions Mortality from major causes of death in both educational groups changed unevenly during 2001-2014. In higher educational group mortality declined from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and especially from external causes, while in lower educational group - just from cardiovascular diseases. Key messages In Lithuania, there are still significant inequalities in mortality from the major causes of death by education. Therefore, more attention should be paid for the improvement of the health of the population with lower education.