Mortality in India during 1970-2006: The role of causes of death in explaining the Female-Male mortality gap

We assess the changing age pattern of mortality in India and bigger states by applying a mortality model during 1970-2006. Using survey data from India and a two dimensional system of model life table, we provide further evidence about changes in country and state-level patterns mortality differentials by sex and assess the potential role of major causes of death. We also study the contribution of major causes of death to the female-male mortality gap. The preliminary findings confirm that since the 1980s, health advantage of the Indian females against males has been growing. This occurred despite persisting female disadvantage below age 5. The biggest contribution to the life expectancy gap between females and males in the second half of the 1990s came from non-communicable diseases and external causes of death. We also found a notable geographical variation in sex-specific mortality patterns. While more advanced states showed female longevity advantages already in the 1970s, the laggard states displayed similar mortality levels for males and females even during the most recent periods. In order to better understand the path and timing of health transition and its determinants in India, it is necessary to consider changing sex-specific mortality patterns and their geographical diversity.