Assessing changes in mortality inequalities in Israel using a period-specific measure of socio-economic position, 1983-92 and 1995-2004.

Changes in mortality inequalities among middle-aged individuals were examined using a household amenities variable with analogous interpretation and distribution over time. Data were taken from the census-based Israel Longitudinal Mortality Studies I (1983-92, n = 91 656) and II (1995-2004, n = 120 973). Mortality differentials in socio-economic gradients for high household amenities showed relative increases over time in overall and cardiovascular disease mortality for resident men (44% and 42%, respectively) and women (45% and 82%, respectively). Temporal influences on measures of socio-economic position did not affect our findings of a widening in socio-economic inequalities in mortality.