Evolution of socio-economic inequalities in mortality in small geographical areas of the two largest cities in Spain (Barcelona and Madrid), 1996–2007

Abstract Objectives To describe the evolution of socio-economic inequalities in mortality in small areas of two Spanish cities (Barcelona and Madrid) from 1996 to 2001 and from 2002 to 2007. Study design A small-area ecological study of trends was performed, in which the units of analysis were census tracts. Methods The association between mortality and socio-economic deprivation was assessed through Poisson regression analysis. Models were stratified by sex, age group and period of study. The trend in inequalities in mortality was assessed by introducing an interaction term between deprivation and the period of study. Results Mortality in the most-deprived areas was significantly higher than mortality in the less-deprived areas in both periods and most age groups. However, inequalities seemed to diminish in young people and elderly women, especially in Barcelona. Conclusions There is a need to monitor inequalities in mortality in the near future because the current financial crisis could change this situation.