Mitigating effect of immigration on the relation between income inequality and mortality: a prospective study of 2 million Canadians. Issue 6 (30th March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Auger, Nathalie; Hamel, Denis; Martinez, Jérôme; Ross, Nancy A
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 66:Issue 6(2012)
• Page Start: e5
• Page End: e5
• Publication Date: 2011-03-30
• Subjects: Effect modifiers (epidemiology) -- immigration -- income distribution -- mortality -- socioeconomic factors -- social conditions -- migration health -- mortality SI -- social inequalities; Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2010.127977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The relation between income inequality and mortality in Canada is unclear, and modifying effects of characteristics such as immigration have not been examined. Methods: Using a cohort of 2 million Canadians followed for mortality from 1991–2001, we calculated HRs and 95% CIs for income inequality of 140 urban areas (Gini coefficient, Atkinson index, coefficient of variation; expressed as continuous variables) and working age (25–64 y) or post-working age (≥65 y) mortality in men and women according to immigration status, accounting for individual and neighbourhood income, and sociodemographic characteristics. Major causes of mortality were examined. Results: Relative to low income inequality, high inequality was associated with greater working age mortality in male (HRGini 1.08, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.13) and female (HRGini 1.12, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.18) non-immigrants for all income inequality indictors. Results were similar for female post-working age mortality. There was no relation between income inequality and mortality in immigrants. Among Canadian-born individuals, associations were greater for alcohol-related mortality (both sexes) and smoking-related causes/transport injuries (women). Conclusion: Income inequality is associated with mortality in Canadian-born individuals but not immigrants.