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International Journal of Public Health
Published in: International Journal of Public Health 4/2012

01-08-2012 | Original Article

Socio-economic disparities in mortality due to pandemic influenza in England

Authors: Paul D. Rutter, Oliver T. Mytton, Matthew Mak, Liam J. Donaldson

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

This study examines variations in mortality between socio-economic groups due to the pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009 virus in England.

Methods

We established a system to identify all deaths related to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. We collected the postcode of every individual who died, and through this determined the socio-economic deprivation, urban–rural characteristics and region of their residence. Across England, we were therefore able to examine how mortality rates varied by socio-economic group, between urban and rural areas, and between regions.

Results

People in the most deprived quintile of England’s population had an age and sex-standardised mortality rate three times that experienced by the least deprived quintile (RR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.2–4.4). Mortality was also higher in urban areas than in rural areas (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.3). Mortality rates were similar between regions of the country.

Conclusion

Tackling socio-economic health inequalities is a central concept within public health, but has not always been a part of emergency preparedness plans. These data demonstrate the opportunity to reduce the overall impact and narrow inequalities by considering socio-economic disparities in future pandemic planning.
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Metadata
Title
Socio-economic disparities in mortality due to pandemic influenza in England
Authors
Paul D. Rutter
Oliver T. Mytton
Matthew Mak
Liam J. Donaldson
Publication date
01-08-2012
Publisher
SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0337-1

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