| Abstract: | Variations in mortality from ischaemic heart disease and cancer in the age group 50–64 for the period 1969–1973 inclusive were found to be statistically highly significant, with the highest incidences in certain inner local government areas (LGA) and some exurban LGAs. Correlation and regression analysis were undertaken between a small number of social indicator independent variables and the dependent mortality variables. These variables represented three constructs, social isolation-housing class, crowding-density and socioeconomic status which together accounted for more than 40% of the variance in Sydney and Adelaide, but not in Melbourne, although the relationship there was still highly significant. Schematic models of factors in higher or lower disease incidence in particular areas are presented in the concluding section. |
