The association between education and premature mortality in the Chinese population: a 10-year cohort study

Abstract

Background

Recent studies have shown significant associations between education and premature mortality. However, the relationship differs across countries. We aimed to present the latest evidence on the educational inequalities in premature mortality in the Chinese population.

Methods

We linked two databases, to establish a population-based, ten-year cohort spanning 2010 to 2020. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses adjusting for age, sex and urbanicity were conducted for all-cause mortality, and competing risk models were fitted for cause-specific mortality. We calculated population attributable fraction (PAF) using the hazard ratios (HRs) obtained by regression analyses. Additionally, we fitted models adjusting for risk factors and investigated the mediating effect of income, smoking, alcohol consumption and diets.

Findings

Compared with individuals with upper secondary and above education, the HR for premature all-cause mortality for those with less than primary education was 1.93 (95% CI: 1.72–2.19). The HRs were the highest for deaths from respiratory diseases (HR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.82–5.27). The excess risk of premature mortality associated with low education was higher among women and urban population. The association of education remained significant after accounting for risk factors, and income was the main mediator, which accounted for 23.0% of mediation in men and 11.1% in women.

Interpretation

The study’s findings support the increased risk of premature mortality associated with low education, particularly in women and urban populations. The considerable number of deaths attributed to educational inequality underscores the necessity for more effective and targeted public health interventions.

Funding

Chinese Central Government.