Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality and importance of perceived control: cohort study

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Abstract
Data were collected in 1991 within the framework of a general population study of the health and living conditions of the population of Eindhoven and its surroundings (the GLOBE study).3 We invited a random subsample for interview. The response rate was 80% and not related to demographic characteristics. Interviewdata were available for 1220 men and 1242 women aged 25-74 (51 on average). Detailed information was obtained on socioeconomic status (educational, occupational, and income level), health status (self reports of at least one severe chronic condition (339, 14%), at least one less severe chronic condition (1062, 43%), and less than good general health (737, 30%)), and perceived control. Perceived control was measured with an 11 item Dutch version of Rotter's locus of control scale (Cronbach's α=0.84). This asks respondents toindicate agreement with statements using a five point scale—for example, “I often feel a victim of circumstances” (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree).4 The scores were summed (mean (SD)=31 (7.1)). Municipal population registers provided information on all cause mortality during a six year follow up. There were 122 deaths, and only 30 people were lost to follow up. The analyses were done with Cox proportional hazards model.