USE OF A HISTORICAL REGISTER IN SOCIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY - CHILD-MORTALITYIN STOCKHOLM AT THE TURN OF THE 19TH-CENTURY

This study describes the age- and cause-specific levels and social det erminants of high child mortality in Stockholm around the turn of the century. The study is based on computerized individual level sociodemo graphic information and the death certificates of children aged 0-15 y ears residing in Maria parish in Stockholm during the years 1885, 1891 and 1910 (n = 36718) from a historical register (the Roteman archives ). The usefulness of such data for further studies in social epidemiol ogy is discussed. Age-specific rates and major causes of death compare d well with other studies. Low social class and being born out of wedl ock increased the overall risk of death in early childhood. Data appea r valid and may be useful in social epidemiology. Further analyses of data from the Roteman archives may contribute to the understanding of causes behind high levels of cause- specific child mortality and trend s in mortality in relation to societal change.