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 (198392, n 91 656) and II (19952004, 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.