Table 1.
List of explanatory variables explored in the analyses
| Explanatory variable | Relationship to HD-rate? | Effect modifier? | Confounder? | Included in final model? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | HD-rates in Men > women | Yes | Not applicable | Stratifying variable |
| Age | Linear positive | Yes | Yes | Stratifying and adjustment variable |
| Composite variable: Municipality population size and Hospital status | HD-rates in hospital municipalities > Large municipalities without hospital > Small municipalities without hospital | No | Yes | Adjustment variable |
| Mortality | Linear positive | No | Yes | Adjustment variable |
| Travel time to hospital | Men 67-84 and women 67-79: no relationship. Men 85+ and Women 80+: Linear, negative | No | Yes | Adjustment variable |
| Municipality education | Men 67-84 and women 67-79: no relationship. Men85+ and Women 80+: Linear, negative | No | Yes | Adjustment variable |
| Municipality relative poverty level | Men 67-84 and women 67-79: no relationship. Men85+ and Women 80+: Linear, negative | No | No | Not included |
| Municipality unemployment | Linear positive | No | No | Not included |