The contribution of causes of death to socioeconomic inequalities in child mortality: New Zealand 1981-1999

Abstract

Background: Socioeconomic inequalities in all-cause child mortality exist in New Zealand; however the inequalities in cause-specific mortality have not been-examined. This study examines child mortality inequality by household income between 1981 and 1999, by cause of death. Methods: Data was used from a record linkage study of census and mortality records of all New Zealand children aged 0-14 years on census night 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 followed up for 3 years for specific causes of mortality between ages 1-14 years. All cohorts were combined to calculate mortality rates, rate ratios, and rates differences for each cause of death. Results: Socioeconomic differences in child mortality (low i..