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Trends in Inequalities in Health, Risk and Preventive Behaviour among the Advanced-Age Population in Austria: 1983-2007

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  • Johanna Muckenhuber
  • Karina Fernandez
  • Nathalie T Burkert
  • Franziska Großschädl
  • Wolfgang Freidl
  • Éva Rásky

Abstract

Background: Although a number of previous research studies have focused on the long-term analysis of the health and health behaviour of the elderly, there is still a shortage of information in relation to the long-term trends regarding health or risk and preventive behaviour in the elderly population taking into account gender differences and differences in educational level. Methods: The database comprised subsamples of the Austrian Micro-Census, including individuals aged 65 years and older, for the years 1983, 1991, 1999, and subsamples of the ATHIS (Austrian Health Interview Survey) 2007. A trend analysis was conducted for four health-related variables with the year of the survey and education as predictors. The analysis was stratified by sex. Results: We found a general trend towards better self-rated health, better preventive and less risk behaviour among the elderly, while the body mass index has been increasing over the years. There are indeed gender differences regarding the trend in smoking behaviour. While the prevalence of male smoking has been steadily decreasing, female smoking prevalence has not changed. At all points in time, individuals with higher education had significantly better self-rated health than those with lower education but the association between education and preventive behaviour significantly decreased over the years. Conclusion: We agree with previous research in concluding that preventive action and health promotion should aim in particular to support older women and men with lower education.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Muckenhuber & Karina Fernandez & Nathalie T Burkert & Franziska Großschädl & Wolfgang Freidl & Éva Rásky, 2014. "Trends in Inequalities in Health, Risk and Preventive Behaviour among the Advanced-Age Population in Austria: 1983-2007," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(5), pages 1-5, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0097400
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097400
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Doblhammer, Gabriele & Kytir, Josef, 2001. "Compression or expansion of morbidity? Trends in healthy-life expectancy in the elderly Austrian population between 1978 and 1998," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 385-391, February.
    2. Wolfgang Freidl & Willibald-Julius Stronegger & Éva Rásky & Christine Neuhold, 2001. "Associations of income with self-reported ill-health and health resources in a rural community sample of Austria," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 46(2), pages 106-114, March.
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