4274.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 5

Abstract #14981

Probing the life span gender gap: International perspectives

Edward E. Bartlett, PhD, George Washington University, PO Box 1404, Rockville, MD 20849, 301-670-1964, eba@intr.net

BACKGROUND: In almost every county, women outlive men. The reasons are not well-understood, but no doubt include a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and medical care factors.

FINDINGS: A review of the life span gender gap in 1994 reveals considerable variation by country: Israel: 3.8 years Sweden: 5.3 years United States: 6.6 years Hungary: 9.3 years Russian Federation: 15.4 years

These six-fold variations argue against biological explanations for the disparity in life expectancy for men and women.

Particularly worrisome is the deterioration in life expectancy for men in eastern Europe since 1970. For example in Hungary, mortality rates for men increased 57% in the period 1970-90. Most of the rise in premature male mortality is concentrated among divorced men over 24 years of age (Watson 1995). This decline has been attributed to a rapid rise in cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, injuries, and poisonings (Globan Burden of Disease Study 1997).

RECOMMENDATIONS: Greater attention needs to be focused on understanding the causes of the life span gender gap, especially the reasons for the considerable variation of this disparity across nations. Programs need to be mounted to counter the rise in premature male mortality in Eastern Europe and elsewhere.

Learning Objectives: 1. List differences in the life span gender gap in different countries. 2. Explain why the biological fitness hypothesis cannot account for differences in sex-specific longevity. 3. Review the reasons for the rise in premature male mortality in selected countries

Keywords: Male Health, Mortality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA