Changes in mortality inequalities by marital status in Lithuania during 2001-2014

Abstract Introduction Health inequalities have emerged as a big issue of public health in Lithuania. Recent studies have demonstrated increasing mortality differentials between marital status groups, occurring mainly due to a decline in mortality of the married populations. The aim of the study - to determine changes in inequalities in mortality from major causes of death by marital status in Lithuania during 2001-2014. Methods Individual records from population censuses conducted in 2001 and 2011, National Mortality Register (period of 2001-2014), and Population Register (period of 2001-2014) have been linked using personal identification number. Study included those aged 30+. Mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, external causes and digestion system diseases by the marital status (married and unmarried - never married, the widowed and the divorced) were calculated per 100 000 person years and standardized by age. Inequalities in mortality were assessed calculating rate ratio, while trends in it - conducting the Joinpoint regression analysis. Results Mortality from all analyzed causes of death among males and females in 2001 and 2014 was statistically significantly higher in unmarried compared to married. Inequalities in mortality by marital status increased statistically significantly in Lithuania throughout the period of 2001-2014 from cardiovascular diseases, cancer and external causes. The most significant increase in inequalities by 3.3% (p < 0.05) on average per year was estimated from external causes among males. Inequalities in mortality from digestion system diseases did not change significantly throughout the study period. Conclusions Inequalities in mortality by marital status increased significantly in Lithuania throughout the period of 2001-2014 with the most significant increase from external causes. Key messages Mortality from all analyzed causes of death among Lithuanian males and females in 2001 and 2014 was statistically significantly higher in unmarried compared to married. Inequalities in mortality by marital status increased significantly in Lithuania throughout the period of 2001-2014 with the most significant increase from external causes.