Inequalities in Life Expectancy by Education and Its Changes in Lithuania during 2001–2014

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Reduction of health inequalities is a highly important task in public health policies worldwide. In Lithuania, inequalities in life expectancy (LE) by education level are among the greatest, compared to other European countries. However, studies on inequalities in LE by level of education over a long-term period are quite scarce in Lithuania. The aim of the study was to analyze inequalities in life expectancy by education and its changes in Lithuania during 2001–2014. Materials and Methods: Information on deaths (in population aged ≥30 years) was obtained from Statistics Lithuania. Life expectancy at age 30 (LE30) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using life tables. Inequalities in LE30 were assessed using rate differences. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the trends and inequalities of LE30 during 2001–2014. Results: During 2001–2014, LE30 in males and females with post-secondary education was higher than in those with up-to-secondary education (p < 0.05). Among males and females, LE30 increased in both education groups, except for males with up-to-secondary education. Among individuals with post-secondary education, LE30 started increasing earlier and more quickly than in those with up-to-secondary education. Over the analyzed period, greater differences in LE30 between post-secondary and up-to-secondary education groups were found among males. Differences in LE30 due to different educational background were statistically significantly, increasing across the sexes with a more rapid increase for females than for males. During 2001 and 2014, the highest number of years of LE30 lost in both education groups was due to cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: Throughout the period of 2001–2014, life expectancy in Lithuania in the post-secondary education group was statistically significantly longer and was increasing more rapidly compared to the up-to secondary education group. Inequalities in life expectancy by level of education significantly increased among both males and females.