We leven langer, maar ook in goede gezondheid?*

Objective

Quantifying trends in quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) by level of education in the Netherlands 2001-2011.

Design

Retrospective study.

Method

For this study we used data from several sources. Using regression models we estimated mortality rates and quality of life as functions of age, gender, calendar year and educational level. Quality of life was measured using the SF-6D questionnaire. In order to calculate QALE we combined estimates of mortality rates and quality of life into Sullivan’s life tables.

Results

Over the period 2001-2011 quality of life and survival increased at all educational levels. This resulted in an increase of QALE varying from 1.5 to 3 years depending on gender and education. QALE increased less strongly in people with lower education than in those with higher education, which to a large extent was due to widening inequalities in mortality.

Conclusion

The Dutch are living longer and have a better quality of life but inequalities in QALE have increased.

Conflict of interest and financial support for this article: the authors have received a grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (project no. 200400009).