A report examined Scotland s mortality position relative to 19 other (mainly western European) countries. It highlighted concerns over levels of mortality among people aged 15–44 and older women.
Source: Bruce Whyte and 'Tomi Ajetunmobi, Still 'The Sick Man of Europe'? Scottish mortality in a European context 1950–2010: An analysis of comparative mortality trends, Glasgow Centre for Population Health
Links: Report | Summary | BBC report
Date: 2012-Nov
An article sought to identify explanations for the higher mortality in Scotland relative to other European countries, and to synthesize those best supported by evidence into an overall explanatory framework. The reasons for the high Scottish mortality between 1950 and 1980 were unclear, but might be linked to particular industrial, employment, housing, and cultural patterns. From 1980 onwards, the higher mortality was most likely to be accounted for by a synthesis that began from the changed political context of the 1980s, and the consequent hopelessness and community disruption experienced. This might have relevance to faltering health improvement in other countries.
Source: Gerry McCartney, Chik Collins, David Walsh, and David Batty, 'Why the Scots die younger: synthesizing the evidence', Public Health, Volume 126 Issue 6
Links: Abstract
Date: 2012-Jun
An article examined the distribution of multimorbidity, and of comorbidity of physical and mental health disorders, in relation to age and socio-economic deprivation in Scotland. Onset of multimorbidity occurred 10-15 years earlier in people living in the most deprived areas compared with the most affluent, with socio-economic deprivation particularly associated with multimorbidity that included mental health disorders. These findings challenged the single-disease framework by which most healthcare, medical research, and medical education was configured. A complementary strategy was needed, supporting generalist clinicians to provide personalized, comprehensive continuity of care, especially in socio-economically deprived areas.
Source: Karen Barnett, Stewart Mercer, Michael Norbury, Graham Watt, Sally Wyke, and Bruce Guthrie, 'Epidemiology of multimorbidity and implications for health care, research, and medical education: a cross-sectional study', The Lancet 10 May 2012
Links: Abstract | Dundee University press release | BBC report
Date: 2012-May
An article compared the deprivation and mortality profiles of Glasgow (Scotland) and Belfast (Northern Ireland). All-cause mortality in Glasgow was 27 per cent higher for deaths under 65 years of age, and 18 per cent higher for deaths at all ages. But total levels of deprivation were only slightly higher in Glasgow than in Belfast.
Source: P Graham, David Walsh, and Gerry McCartney, 'Shipyards and sectarianism: how do mortality and deprivation compare in Glasgow and Belfast?', Public Health, Volume 126 Issue 5
Links: Abstract
Date: 2012-May
