Widening inequalities in premature mortality in Australia, 2006-16

Abstract

Background  Increases in Australia’s life expectancy have slowed since 2003. Within this context, it is important to analyse whether socio-economic and geographic inequalities in premature mortality have changed in recent years. Aim  The aim is to measure the extent of and change in inequalities in premature mortality (under 75 years) by area socio-economic status and remoteness in Australia from 2006-16. Data and methods  This study uses Australian death registration data from 2006-16. We identify area socio-economic quintile (Q1 lowest to Q5 highest) and remoteness (major cities, inner regional, outer regional/ remote/very remote) for each decedent. Age-standardised death rates (ASDR) at a..