Crime and mortality in a population ‐based nationwide 1981 birth cohort: Results from the FinnCrime study

Abstract BackgroundOffending is known to be associated with various health problems and premature death, but previous studies on associations between offending and mortality have often been only with men, convicted offenders or highly selected samples. A more sensitive measure of offending may be preferable when trying to understand the extent of health disadvantages among people who offend. AimsThe aim of this paper was to study the associations between investigated offending, death and causes of death in a nationally representative birth cohort. MethodsA broad concept of offending was used such that people who had had any contact with the police because they had been suspected of crime were included. Offending data were obtained from the National Police Register for 5405 men and women born in Finland in 1981, spanning their ages 15–30 years; mortality data were received from Statistics Finland. Offending was classified into four categories by frequency: none, 1–4 different offence contacts, 5–27 and 28 or more. Causes of death were categorised into natural, accidents, suicide or homicide. Of the cohort, 2304 (43%) had offended and 57 (1.1%) had died. Associations between offending, mortality and causes of death were analysed, controlling for parental education level and family structure in childhood. ResultsThe mortality rate was higher among offenders than non‐offenders, increasing with rising frequency of offending. The most frequent offenders were nearly 30 tim...
Source: Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health - Category: Criminology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research