Sex differences in mortality in Denmark during half a century, 1943-92

Objective The emphasis of this study is on the relative mortality of 45-74- year-old men and women in Denmark in 1943-92. following economic and politi cal changes that have affected the social meaning of gender over the last 5 0 years, and which have diminished former sex differences in health behavio ur. Methods Sex ratios of total mortality and mortality from major non-sex- specific causes of death were calculated on computerized mortality data fro m the Danish National Cause of Death Register that covers all deaths in Den mark since 1943. Results: In the early 1940s the sex ratio of all-cause mor tality was low 1.0-1.1, it increased to a peak level in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but has since decreased due to an increase in female mortality and a more favourable trend in male mortality. Conclusion: Gender equality , employment, and economic autonomy may have beneficial health effects on b oth men and women, but the effects are inconsistent. The trend in smoking i s the major explanatory factor for the more recent trends in gender differe ntials in mortality in Denmark.