Research Type: Housing & Area-Based Characteristics

NI Government currently uses the NIMDM to define areas of disadvantage and subsequently target and channel additional funds to these areas. The methodological foundations of this should be constantly tested, as it is possible that current methodologies are not optimal and that other approaches, such as modelled income data, measures of income inequality (the GINI coefficient), or a combination of the two, may enable a better identification of disadvantaged individuals. The project aims to use NILS to test a range of possible measures of disadvantage. This includes both an examination of (a) the measures themselves – GINI, NIMDM, a measure of areas of multiply deprived households; and (b) the cut points – the boundaries defining the categories used with the indicators. Outcome measures will include both (i) mortality (2001-2009), and (ii) an examination of social mobility as represented in the transitions associated with (NI-)internal migration patterns between super output areas (SOA).

Cancer is the most common cause of death in Northern Ireland accounting for 27% of all deaths with one in three people developing some form of the disease before the age of 75 years.

Exploration of inequalities in cancer incidence and survival in Northern Ireland has largely been carried out using area indicators of disadvantage (Donnelly et al, 2007). While such research is valuable and provides useful insights into service delivery on an area basis, there are obvious limitations.

Recent research has shown that despite government efforts to reduce inequalities in health between areas, the relative gap between those areas with the poorest and best health outcomes has in fact widened. One explanation for the widening gap is that health improvements amongst people living in affluent areas have occurred at a faster rate than for people in deprived areas. An alternative explanation is there has been selective movement between areas, with more affluent individuals leaving deprived and moving towards more affluent areas.