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The 1991–2004 Evolution in Life Expectancy by Educational Level in Belgium Based on Linked Census and Population Register Data

L’évolution de l’espérance de vie par niveau d’instruction en Belgique de 1991 à 2004 sur la base de données de recensement liées au registre de la population

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine trends in life expectancy by educational level in Belgium and to present elements of interpretation for the observed evolution. The analysis is based on census data providing information on educational level linked to register data on mortality for the periods 1991–1994 and 2001–2004. Using exhaustive individual linked data allows to avoid selection bias and numerator–denominator bias. The trends reveal a general increase in life expectancy together with a widening social gap. Summary indices of inequality based on life expectancies show, however, a more complex pattern and point to the importance to include the shifts in population composition by educational level in an overall assessment of the evolution of inequality by educational level.

Résumé

L’objectif de l’étude est de déterminer le sens et l’ampleur de l’évolution des inégalités en espérance de vie en Belgique selon le niveau d’instruction. L’analyse part des données des recensements qui fournissent l’information sur le niveau d’instruction. Ces données ont été liées au registre de la population qui fournit l’information sur la mortalité pour les périodes 1991–1994 et 2001–2004. L’utilisation de données exhaustives et d’un enregistrement de la mortalité lié directement aux données du recensement évite des erreurs de sélection et du biais entre numérateur et dénominateur. On peut constater qu’en général l’espérance de vie progresse pour tous les niveaux d’éducation mais que cela va de pair avec un élargissement des inégalités. L’utilisation d’indices d’inégalité montre néanmoins une réalité plus complexe et la nécessité d’inclure l’évolution de la composition de la population par niveau d’éducation dans une évaluation globale de l’évolution des inégalités.

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Acknowledgements

The data have been collected by Statistics Belgium. This study is funded by Belgian Science Policy, research programme Society and Future. Language editing by Tadek Krzywania (Institute Public Health Belgium).

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  1. Interface Demography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan, 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium

    Patrick Deboosere & Sylvie Gadeyne

  2. Scientific Institute for Public Health, Brussels, Belgium

    Herman Van Oyen

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  1. Patrick Deboosere
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Correspondence to Patrick Deboosere.

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Deboosere, P., Gadeyne, S. & Van Oyen, H. The 1991–2004 Evolution in Life Expectancy by Educational Level in Belgium Based on Linked Census and Population Register Data. Eur J Population 25, 175–196 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10680-008-9167-5

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