Mortality trends in Erbil, Iraq, 2007–2011

Abstract

Background: Reliable and valid information on trends of mortality and common causes of death is essential to guide priorities for the allocation of resources within the health sector in order to improve health services for the population, increase longevity and improve quality of life. Aims: This study aimed to determine crude, gender, age and cause specific death rates and to examine mortality trends in a five-year period between 2007 and 2011 in Erbil City, Iraq. Methods: This study researched 16 780 deaths registered at the statistical unit of the Directorate of Health, Irbil City. Data were reviewed and cleared for the purpose of analysis. Causes of deaths were classified according to body systems. Results: The average crude death rate was 3.1 per 1000 population with male predominance over females in all the years of study (3.5 and. 2.7, respectively). The age-specific death rates were high in the old and middle age groups in addition to the under 5 years age group. Accidents and circulatory diseases were the leading causes of deaths with rates of 65.2 and 58.3/100 000 population, respectively. Conclusions: An accurate identification of cause of death suggests that the only use of the death certificate in Erbil is for the purpose of burial and legal issues, and therefore it is imperative for educational efforts to achieve a complete and comprehensive death registration.