Analysing the Contribution of Causes of Death to Sex Differences in Life Expectancy at Birth in 20th-Century Italy and Greece

Michail Raftakis, Department of Statistical Sciences - University of Bologna
Gabriele Ruiu, Università degli Studi di Sassari
Lucia Pozzi, Università degli Studi di Sassari

Numerous studies have sought to explain the mortality disadvantage observed among females in the past, often attributing the shorter life expectancy among males to a "natural condition." While biological factors undeniably contribute to this difference, it is crucial to explore additional elements such as behavioural, cultural, and environmental factors to comprehend the fluctuating male relative disadvantage over the past century. This paper examines the changing patterns of sex differences in life expectancy at birth in 20th-century Italy and Greece. While Italy has been extensively studied, the Greek context remains relatively unexplored. The paper's primary objective is to analyse the implications of various causes of death on life expectancy, shedding light on the reasons behind the overall male disadvantage and how these factors have evolved over time. Employing and comparing the results of various decomposition methods, the study dissects the total sex gap by age group and cause of death. Available aggregate published mortality statistics around the census years between 1901 and 1981 along with data from period life tables provided by the HMD for Italy are utilized. For Greece, annual aggregate mortality data from 1921 to 1938 and 1956 to 1981 as well as constructed life tables are used. Causes of death are categorized into 14 distinct groups to ensure comparability across populations and time. The approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay between age, causes of death, and gender disparities in life expectancy at birth within the Italian and Greek contexts. The analysis aims to identify any disparities in timing and trends between these two Mediterranean European populations. The expected outcomes involve a discernible shift in factors contributing to male disadvantage, moving from early-life disparities to those emerging in older age, and from infectious and respiratory diseases to neoplasms and circulatory diseases.

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 Presented in Session 165. Determinants of Mortality: Disease, Disability, and Climate Impacts