Zdrowie Publiczne 2009 119(2);132-138 Original Article
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Levelling out health inequalities in Poland during a systemic transition
Maniecka-Bryła Irena, Bryła Marek
Summary
Aim. The paper aims at evaluating trends in mortality
and life expectancy at birth (e0) which occurred in the consequence
of the socio-economic transition in Poland.
Material and methods. The data on deaths come from
complete original databases which were created for 1991
and 2002. The data used to calculate the demographic characteristics
of the population under study were taken from
tables provided by the Central Statistical Office in Warsaw
and the Regional Statistical Office in Lodz. In order to assess
the impact of mortality changes in each age cohort on
e0 developments, we applied the method proposed by J.H.
Pollard. Moreover, in the statistical analysis, we used indices
of intensity, structure and dynamics, direct standardisation
and a u-test. Our point of departure was 1991, when the
most unfavourable epidemiological situation was observed,
in particular as far as the most important health problem,
i.e. CVD, is concerned.
Results. In the period under study, the overall mortality
rate decreased from 14.6 per 1000 population to 13.0, but
continued to be signifi cantly higher than the national average
(p < 0,001). The specifi c mortality rate due to CVD
decreased from 775.8 per 100,000 to 518.1. The total mortality
risk declined in the Lodz population in 2002 compared
to 1991 and amounted to 0.892. E0 increased from 73.80 to
76.19 years among females, i.e. by 2.39 years, out of which
as much as 0.71 years may be attributed to mortality reduction
in the age cohort of 65-74. Among males, e0 grew by 4.1
years, from 63.96 to 68.06 years, and 1.03 years was a result
of mortality reduction among those aged 55-64.
Conclusion. The ongoing process of the socio-economic
transition in Poland contributed to reducing disparities
in the health situation. The reduction of mortality is refl
ected in e0 growth, to a higher extent among males than
females.