Regional differences in male mortality inequalities using the National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification, England and Wales, 2001-03.

This article represents the first use by the Office for National Statistics of the National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) to analyse regional variations in inequalities in male mortality. It is part of a serie of articles on social inequalities in mortality by NS-SEC. Deaths in th years 2001-03 among men aged 25-64, from all causes and selected major cause groups, are examined in each of the Government Office Regions of England and in Wales. The results provide insights into both social gradients in mortality within regions, and regional differences in mortality for each NS-SEC class. The socioeconomic differences in mortality were more marked for men in Wales, the North East and the North West. The regional differences in mortality were small for the most advantaged classes and greatest for the least advantaged classes.