Education Deficiency Could Potentially Be Equivalent to Smoking in Terms of Mortality Risk, Study Implies
Education and Mortality: A Surprising Connection
A groundbreaking study published in the journal PLOS ONE has revealed a surprising connection between education and mortality rates. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Colorado Denver, suggests that lower educational attainment could be as deadly as maintaining a pack-a-day cigarette habit.
The study found that individuals who did not complete basic education have more than three times higher odds of colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to those with higher education, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, BMI, and diet. This inverse correlation between educational attainment and mortality-related health risks was evident across over 1 million individuals.
Lower educational attainment is also associated with reduced earning potential, reduced ability to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, and less effective health decision-making. In 2010, 145,000 deaths could have been prevented if high school dropouts had graduated, and an additional 110,000 lives could have been saved if college dropouts completed their degrees.
However, another PLOS ONE study involving older adults did not find a direct significant association between socioeconomic status—including education—and all-cause mortality. Instead, higher SES was linked to better cognitive performance and quality of life, indirectly related to mortality risks.
Despite these variations, the evidence supports a generally inverse correlation: as educational attainment increases, mortality risk decreases, partly mediated by healthier lifestyles and better disease prevention.
The researchers meticulously analyzed data spanning nearly a century to reach their conclusions. They used the same rigorous methodological approach scientists use to calculate smoking-related mortality risks.
Dr. Patrick Krueger, the study's co-author, stated that unless trends change, the mortality attributable to low education will continue to increase. He emphasized that education should be a key element of US health policy. Dr. Virginia Chang, another researcher, added that the groundbreaking research exposes an unexpected threat to health and survival: the profound impact of educational attainment on mortality rates.
Moreover, education equips people with life skills, making it a fundamental life-saving intervention. It's not just about academic achievement; it's about empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The study was published in PLOS ONE, adding to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of education in public health. As the world grapples with rising health care costs and increasing mortality rates, this research underscores the need for a holistic approach to health care that includes education as a key component.
In the United States, 28.5% of Americans haven't completed a college degree, and more than 10% of Americans aged 25-34 haven't finished high school. As the connection between education and mortality becomes clearer, it's crucial to invest in education as a means to improve health outcomes and save lives.
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