Use of the life table to compare mortality in ethnic groups in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

BACKGROUND: The life table is a valid and frequently used instrument to compare the mortality of migrant groups. Most analyses are limited to an overview and give only life expectancy; however, further analysis of the life table can give more insight into differences in patterns of mortality between groups. METHODS: A thorough life table analysis was applied to the mortality data of seven ethnic groups by age and gender. RESULTS: Life expectancy is systematically higher in migrants compared with the Dutch citizens of Amsterdam. However, between birth and the age of 40 the probability of death is higher among non-western migrants compared with citizens of western origin. The number of deaths is small among the young. This results in very small differences in survival between the groups; from birth up to the age of 40 the survival rate is 98.7 % for citizens of western origin and 98.3 % for citizens of non-western origin. In all seven ethnic groups over 90.7 % of babies, male and female, survive up to the age of 60. In all female groups the survival is better than in male groups. Males and females aged 0 to 40 from Antillean origin are the only exception. CONCLUSION: Life expectancy is generally higher in non-western than in western groups. Differences in survival between ethnic groups are small up to middle age.