Objective. To present changes in life expectancy of males and females by the level
of educational achievement and describe different aspects of inequalities in life expectancy over
the decade of socioeconomic transition in Lithuania.
Material and methods. This analysis is based on routine mortality statistics and census data
for 1989 and 2001 for the entire country. The study included the population more than 25 years
of age.
Results. Increasing inequalitiesin life expectancy by education have occurred due to increasing
life expectancy amongst persons with higher educational achievements, and conversely, a declining
life expectancy in groups with low levels of education. Cardiovascular diseases were responsible
for the greatest number of years lost in life expectancy by all educational categories both in
males and females. The numbers of yearslost due to cardiovascular diseases decreased in majority
of educational categories, particularly in lower secondary educational group. The increase in
the years of life expectancy lost was observed due to external causes of death, the higher education
being associated with the lower numbers of years lost, especially in females. The greatest impact
on the difference in life expectancy between males with university and primary education was
caused by external causes both in 1989 and 2001, while the major contribution to the educational
differences in life expectancy of females was made by cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions. Favorable forecast of declining health inequalities by education in Lithuania
can hardly be expected in the nearest future. Collective efforts and constructive actions should
address the health problems of the least privileged groups in terms of education, as well as
promotional efforts directed at young people to complete their education and guarantee of equal
opportunities for education.