Trends and main features of Chilean mortality Tendencias y características de la mortalidad Chilena 1970-2003

Abstract

Background: Mortality data of a community allow to identify its severest diseases and health problems. Aim: To report epidemiologic data on Chilean mortality. Material and methods: Information about mortality was obtained from the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, the Chilean Institute of Statistics and Ministry of Health. Results: A continuously declining trend in the risk of dying during the last 30 years was observed. Chile has the best situation among South American countries. Infant and general mortality rates fell in 89 and 39%, respectively, during the period 1970-2003. This reduction is observed in all Chilean geographical regions. At the county level, there are 11 counties that duplicate the figure of mortality of the 337 other counties. In the case of infant mortality, there are 91 counties that duplicate the national figure, indicating an important inequity. Mortality is significantly associated with population aging, availability and use of hospit