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Variations in the relation between education and cause-specific mortality in 19 European populations: A test of the “fundamental causes” theory of social inequalities in health

Author

Listed:
  • Mackenbach, Johan P.
  • Kulhánová, Ivana
  • Bopp, Matthias
  • Deboosere, Patrick
  • Eikemo, Terje A.
  • Hoffmann, Rasmus
  • Kulik, Margarete C.
  • Leinsalu, Mall
  • Martikainen, Pekka
  • Menvielle, Gwenn
  • Regidor, Enrique
  • Wojtyniak, Bogdan
  • Östergren, Olof
  • Lundberg, Olle

Abstract

Link and Phelan have proposed to explain the persistence of health inequalities from the fact that socioeconomic status is a “fundamental cause” which embodies an array of resources that can be used to avoid disease risks no matter what mechanisms are relevant at any given time. To test this theory we compared the magnitude of inequalities in mortality between more and less preventable causes of death in 19 European populations, and assessed whether inequalities in mortality from preventable causes are larger in countries with larger resource inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Mackenbach, Johan P. & Kulhánová, Ivana & Bopp, Matthias & Deboosere, Patrick & Eikemo, Terje A. & Hoffmann, Rasmus & Kulik, Margarete C. & Leinsalu, Mall & Martikainen, Pekka & Menvielle, Gwenn & Reg, 2015. "Variations in the relation between education and cause-specific mortality in 19 European populations: A test of the “fundamental causes” theory of social inequalities in health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 51-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:127:y:2015:i:c:p:51-62
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.05.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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