[Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in the Basque Country [Spain]].

Objectives: To describe socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in the Basque Country, using mortality and socioeconomic data by census sections.

Methods: Mortality and population data were obtained from the Basque Institute of Statistics. Socioeconomic characteristics of the census sections were assigned to each death and a deprivation index combining information from four socioeconomic indicators was computed. Age-adjusted mortality rates by sex, age group (0-64 > or = 65) and cause of death were calculated for each quintile of the deprivation index. Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate age-adjusted rate ratios and excess mortality attributable to inequalities.

Results: Mortality showed a gradient according to the deprivation index in men and women. Mortality was greater in the most deprived sections. Mortality inequalities were observed in men younger than 65 years. A total of 9.3% of deaths in men and 4.9% of those in women were attributable to socioeconomic inequalities. The relative importance of the cause of death differed according to the inequality measure used. Lifestyle-related causes of death were notable.

Conclusion: This study illustrates the potential utility of census section socioeconomic indicators both to describe socioeconomic inequalities in mortality and to identify priorities for interventions.