Examples of causes of death
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Examples of Causes of Death
Understanding the causes of death is crucial for shaping health policies and interventions. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to highlight the primary causes of death globally and regionally, as well as the complexities involved in death certification.
Leading Causes of Death Globally
Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases remain significant causes of death, particularly in developing regions. In 2010, lower respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, and neonatal disorders were among the top causes, although their mortality rates have decreased since 19901. HIV/AIDS and malaria have seen increases in mortality, with HIV/AIDS deaths rising from 0.3 million in 1990 to 1.5 million in 20101.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2010, NCDs accounted for two-thirds of all deaths, with ischaemic heart disease and stroke being the most prevalent, causing 12.9 million deaths collectively1. Cancer deaths also increased by 38% over two decades, with lung cancer being particularly deadly1.
Maternal and Neonatal Causes
Maternal deaths are primarily due to direct obstetric causes such as haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis, which together account for more than half of maternal deaths globally7. Indirect causes, including pre-existing conditions exacerbated by pregnancy, also contribute significantly7.
Regional Variations in Causes of Death
Sub-Saharan Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa, communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional causes dominate, accounting for 76% of premature mortality1. Diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and diarrhoeal diseases are particularly prevalent in this region1.
Developed Regions
In developed regions, NCDs are the primary causes of death. For instance, in the United States, the leading causes of death in 2017 included heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases4. These causes accounted for 74% of all deaths in the country4.
Complexities in Death Certification
Multiple Causes of Death (MCOD)
The MCOD approach, which examines all diseases mentioned on death certificates, provides a more comprehensive understanding of mortality. For example, diabetes is often underreported as the underlying cause of death but is frequently mentioned as a contributing factor2. This approach reveals the interplay between chronic diseases and highlights the importance of considering multiple causes in mortality statistics2 3.
Certification Practices
Certification practices vary, with some diseases being more likely to be recorded as the underlying cause of death. For instance, lung cancer and myocardial infarction are usually certified as the primary cause, while conditions like diabetes and hypertension are often listed as secondary causes5. This variability underscores the need for standardized certification practices to improve the accuracy of mortality data5.
Conclusion
The causes of death are diverse and vary significantly by region and over time. While communicable diseases remain a major concern in developing regions, non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of death globally. The MCOD approach and improved certification practices can provide a more accurate picture of mortality, aiding in the development of targeted health policies and interventions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global and regional mortality from 235 causes of death for 20 age groups in 1990 and 2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010
In 2010, communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional causes accounted for 24.9% of global deaths, down from 34.1% in 1990, mainly due to decreases in diarrhoeal disease mortality.
Observational Study
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedMultiple causes of death analysis of chronic diseases: the example of diabetes
The multiple causes of death approach provides more information on chronic diseases and their associations than single cause of death analyses.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalUse of multiple causes of death in the analysis of occupational cohorts--an example from the oil industry.
Routine analysis of multiple causes of death on death certificates can provide valuable additional information in cohort studies, with potential over-reporting of certain diseases.
Observational StudyDeaths: Leading Causes for 2017.
In 2017, heart, malignant neoplasms, accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, influenza, pneumonia, nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis were the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States
Highly CitedCause-specific mortality: understanding uncertain tips of the disease iceberg.
Diseases with common causes of death tend to be recorded on death certificates, but not always as the underlying cause.
Observational StudyHighly CitedDeaths: leading causes for 2008.
In 2008, heart, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, accidents, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, influenza and pneumonia, nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis, and intentional self-harm were
Observational StudyHighly CitedGlobal causes of maternal death: a WHO systematic analysis.
Haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis were responsible for more than half of maternal deaths worldwide between 2003 and 2009, with more than a quarter attributable to indirect causes.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedAnalysis of Multiple Causes of Death: A Review of Methods and Practices
This review highlights the growing interest in analyzing multiple causes of death, with diverse methods suitable for various research objectives and potential for further development and application in various settings.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalMortality by cause for eight regions of the world: Global Burden of Disease Study
The leading causes of death in 1990 were communicable, perinatal, and nutritional disorders, with non-communicable diseases being major public health challenges in all regions.
Observational StudyHighly CitedPotentially Preventable Deaths from the Five Leading Causes of Death — United States, 2008–2010
Potentially preventable deaths from the top five causes of death in the United States totaled 91,757 in 2008-2010, with the Southeast having the highest number of potentially preventable deaths for each cause.
Observational StudyHighly Cited