The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has published a report today that examines differences in the mortality rates of groups along Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act and social need dimensions.
Amongst the research findings were:
- Males on average have higher mortality rates and die earlier than females translating into a life expectancy difference of around 4.4 years.
- There appears to be a stronger relationship between mortality rates and social disadvantage for men compared to women.
- Marriage is associated with lower mortality rates for both men and women compared to those who are single, divorced or widowed.
- Having a limiting long-term illness is associated with a significantly elevated mortality rate for both sexes.
- Those with a Catholic community background, both male and female, have higher mortality rates. The lowest mortality rates are found amongst those with an ‘other’ community background, or none.
Higher mortality rates were found amongst:
- those living in public sector housing;
- those with no or low-level qualifications;
- the economically inactive and unemployed;
- and those living in the 20% most deprived areas in Northern Ireland.
Lower mortality rates were found amongst:
- those who owned their home outright or who lived in private rented accommodation;
- those living in detached houses;
- those with degree-level education;
- those in employment;
- and those living in the 20% least deprived areas in Northern Ireland.
Notes to Editors:
- A number of recent developments by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) have significantly enhanced the local data and information infrastructure. One of these is the Northern Ireland Mortality Linkage Study (NIMLS) which is a development of the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS). The NILS is funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Health and Social Care Research and Development Office.
- Mortality rates are one of the most commonly used health statistic. However, detailed analysis of mortality rates to date in Northern Ireland has been limited to the information collected on the death certificate.
- The Northern Ireland Mortality Linkage Study (NIMLS) developed in 2006, links mortality data from the General Register Office (GRO) to 2001 Census returns.
- On that basis, the potential to examine a broader range of social, economic and geographical factors and their relationship with mortality rates became possible. These anonymised data are held in a safe setting by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). Access to the NIMLS is governed by strict protocols and procedures to ensure data confidentiality and can only be used for statistical and research purposes.
- Publication available at the OFMDFM website
- Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1905. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
