THE 2 COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN-IRELAND - DEPRIVATION AND ILL HEALTH

Background The aim of this study was to examine differences in socio-e conomic standing and ill health between the two communities in Norther n Ireland. Methods This was a descriptive epidemiological study. Death s from 1991 to 1995 inclusive were used to calculate standardized mort ality rates (SMR, under 75 years) at small level using the 1991 Census population estimates. The standardized limiting long-term illness rat ios (SIR) were based on the appropriate Census question. Regression mo dels were tested with SMR and SIR as dependent variables and a wide ra nge of socio-economic indicators, including income support and family credit uptake, as independent predictors. Results Northern Ireland is a very polarized society. More than 60 per cent of the population live in areas which have more than 80 per cent of one religion. Areas with a preponderance of Catholics tend to be more deprived. Unemployment r ates, percentage renting, car availability, and education attainment a re all worse in Catholic areas. However, there is considerable heterog eneity between areas with similar levels of religious affiliation and the overall pattern varies with the indicator chosen. SMRs rise stepwi se with increasing percentage of Catholics. SIRs increase with increas ing polarization of areas, but this is much more marked in those with a predominantly Catholic affiliation. Altogether 46.8 per cent of the variance in SMR and 77.9 per cent of that of SIRs could be explained b y socio-economic variables alone. Denomination;did not have any residu al predictive value. Conclusions Policy-makers should continue to peri odically monitor for differences between the two communities including any differences in service accessibility and uptake. Efforts should b e directed towards reducing the inequalities in health for all section s of the community.