Investigation of the association between excess winter mortality and socio-economic deprivation

Background Excess winter mortality is higher in England and Wales than in o ther European countries with similar or tower average winter temperatures. It mig ht be expected that excess winter mortality would be higher in areas with greater socio-economic deprivation, and if this were so preventive in terventions could be directed at populations in these areas. The associatio n between deprivation and excess winter mortality has not been adequately i nvestigated in the past. The aim of this study was to look at the associati on between excess winter mortality and socio-economic deprivation, so that policy decisions to reduce this excess mortality could be appropriately dir ected. Methods Super Profile groups derived from the 1991 Census were used as a me asure of socio-economic status. The age-standardized excess winter death in dex (EWDI) was calculated for each Super Profile group, for the population of Bradford. The EWDI was also calculated for the manufacturing districts ( Office for National Statistics area classification), a relatively deprived group, and compared with that for England and Wales. Results No significant trend was found in age-standardized excess winter mo rtality across the Super Profile groups. The manufacturing districts had a similar EWDI to the national value. Conclusion Excess winter mortality is not associated with deprivation. Furt her research to identify the important aetiological factors and appropriate interventions to reduce excess winter mortality is needed.