Key aspects of population health in post-transition Russia: mortality, fertility, health care and workforce health. (360G-Wellcome-078494_Z_05_Z)

Increasing mortality and declining fertility together mean that the population of Russia is steadily declining, with important geopolitical implications. The immediate causes of many premature deaths are increasingly understood, alcohol plays a crucial role, while ecological studies also highlight the role of economic change. Other research highlights the failure of the health system to respond effectively. There is, however, a lack of detailed information on underlying social and economic factors over time. What is the pathway from health to premature death? Why do people decide not to have children? Why do many with chronic diseases not obtain effective care? The proposed study seeks to fill this gap by exploiting the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Study, a quasi-panel survey, with detailed information on respondents' social and economic characteristics, life events, and social support. Specifically, by tracking the characteristics of individuals over time, it will identify socio-economic determinants of: Low fertility, including birth control and childbearing patterns; Mortality, focusing on cardiovascular disease; Access to health care and use of medications. Premature retirement and sickness absence in the workforce The proposed study builds on extensive research in the host institution and links directly to ongoing policy dialogues in Russia.