Causes of mortality
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Causes of Mortality: A Comprehensive Analysis
Global Mortality Trends and Patterns
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as Leading Causes
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the predominant cause of mortality globally. In 2016, NCDs accounted for 72.3% of deaths worldwide, with cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, and chronic respiratory diseases being the most significant contributors. This trend has been consistent over the years, with a notable increase in the absolute number of deaths from NCDs despite a decrease in age-standardized death rates .
Communicable, Maternal, Neonatal, and Nutritional (CMNN) Diseases
While the global burden of CMNN diseases has decreased significantly, they still represent a substantial cause of mortality, particularly in low-income regions. In 2016, CMNN diseases accounted for 19.3% of global deaths, with lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and neonatal disorders being the leading causes among children under five . Efforts to reduce mortality from these diseases have led to significant improvements in life expectancy, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and other low-income regions .
Injuries and External Causes
Injuries, including road traffic accidents, interpersonal violence, and self-harm, accounted for 8.43% of global deaths in 2016. The burden of injury-related deaths varies significantly by region, with higher rates observed in areas with less stringent safety regulations and higher levels of violence .
Regional and National Variations
High-Income Countries
In high-income countries, the leading causes of death are predominantly NCDs, with cardiovascular diseases and cancers being the most significant contributors. For instance, in the United States, heart disease and cancer were the top causes of death in 2016. Similar patterns are observed in other developed countries, where reductions in age-standardized death rates for cardiovascular diseases and cancers have contributed to increased life expectancy .
Low- and Middle-Income Countries
In contrast, low- and middle-income countries face a dual burden of disease, with both NCDs and CMNN diseases contributing significantly to mortality. In Brazil, for example, while there has been a notable reduction in mortality from infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases and violence have emerged as leading causes of death. This shift reflects broader epidemiological transitions occurring in many developing regions .
Specific Causes of Mortality
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, remain the leading causes of death globally. These conditions accounted for a significant proportion of years of life lost (YLLs) in 2016, with ischemic heart disease being the leading cause of YLLs in 113 countries for men and 97 countries for women .
Cancer
Cancer is another major cause of mortality, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers being the most common. The number of deaths from cancer has increased over the past decades, driven by demographic shifts and aging populations .
Infectious Diseases
Despite significant progress in reducing mortality from infectious diseases, they remain a leading cause of death in many low-income regions. HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis continue to cause substantial mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa .
Violence and Injuries
Violence and injuries, including road traffic accidents and interpersonal violence, are significant causes of death, particularly among young adults. In Brazil, for example, intentional injuries have significantly impacted life expectancy, particularly among men .
Conclusion
The causes of mortality are diverse and vary significantly by region and socioeconomic status. While NCDs are the leading causes of death globally, CMNN diseases and injuries remain significant contributors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted health policies and interventions to reduce mortality and improve global health outcomes.
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