Differential mortality of birthplace groups in Australia during 1980–82

Abstract

Summary At the 1981 Census, just over one-fifth of Australia’s population was born overseas, and this paper examines the mortality experience during 1980–82 of some of the larger birthplace groups with respect to age, duration of residence in Australia and cause of death. One of the main findings is the low mortality of those from Southern Europe, both with respect to total mortality and from many of the major causes of death. In contrast the Australian-born have relatively high mortality from heart disease, respiratory diseases, and from diseases of the genito-urinary system. Mortality differences are generally greatest at the middle adult ages, with convergence at the older ages.