[Mortality differences according to socioeconomic group in Switzerland 1980: 15 to 74-year-old males]

Abstract

In this paper, SMRs by socio-economic group are given for Swiss men, aged 15 to 74. One of the classifications given is similar to the English Social Classes, the other is based on distinction of self-employed and white/blue collar wage earners by economic sector (agriculture, industry or services; Table 1). The resulting differentials are similar in size to those observed between men and women, and are present with both classification schemes. Some methodological issues are discussed: SMR's have been adjusted using a random sample of 3058 death certificates from 1981 linked to their census records. Quality of occupational information does not deteriorate much up to age 74. These results are of interest as Switzerland has enjoyed an unprecedented spell of full employment and rising wages between 1950 and 1980. Implications for social security are mentioned.

PIP: Standard mortality rates are presented for Swiss males aged 15 to 74 by social class using data from official sources for the period 1979-1982. Consideration is also given to mortality differences by economic sector and occupation. The authors also examine the methodological aspects of calculating such rates for comparative purposes. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)