Mortality from melanoma by socio-demographic status and its inequalities between 2001 and 2014: Lithuanian study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study – to assess mortality from melanoma by socio-demographic status and its inequalities in Lithuania between 2001 and 2014. Materials and 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 melanoma by education, marital status, occupation, economic activity and place of residence was calculated per 100,000 person-years and standardized by age. Inequalities in mortality by socio–demographic status were assessed calculating rate ratio with its 95% confidence intervals. For the assessment of trends of mortality and inequalities between 2001 and 2014, the Joinpoint regression analysis was applied. Results No statistically significant changes in melanoma mortality and its inequalities were found in the period of 2001– 2014. In the period of 2001–2014, higher mortality rates of melanoma were observed among the unemployed population, workers and males living in the urban, as compared to the employed, civil servants and males living in rural areas. Mortality among other groups was fairly evenly distributed. During the analysed period, an increasing mortality tendency was observed in all socio–demographic groups of males, except for the group of males with post-secondary education. A decreasing mortality tendency was observed in the groups of working females, females living in rural areas, workers and females of both education groups; whereas among other groups of socio–demographic status of females, an increasing mortality tendency was observed. In all socio– demographic groups of males and females, a decreasing tendency of mortality inequalities was observed, except for the females by place of residence and occupation. Conclusions Different tendencies.