Health status of the population measured by avoidable mortality and burden of disease

Abstract

Introduction Avoidable mortality and morbidity are a problem of public health worldwide and, in particular, at national level. The scientific evaluation of avoidable deaths, of avoidable morbidity and the frequency of their causes as well as the identification of vulnerable population groups will raise awareness of the diseases that determine their major impact. Objective of the study: evaluation of the tendencies of avoidable mortality and disability of adults, their hierarchy through the main causes for support in the implementation of public health policies. Material and methods The dynamics and causes of avoidable deaths at the national level, with a territorial profile highlighting the districts, were evaluated over a period of 11 years (2007-2017). The analysis of the causes of adult disabilities is based on the same principle for 2012-2017. All causes of death were disaggregated by age and gender and by the administrative-territorial units. The study material is represented by the statistical data extracted from the official bulletins of the National Bureau of Statistics, the National Public Health Agency. Results The share of avoidable deaths in the Republic of Moldova in 2007-2017 accounts for half (49,1%) of total deaths. Of the 235.458 avoidable deaths occurred nationwide in 2007-2017, 142.837 were due to medical care conditions (treatable diseases), and 183.371 were due to health promotion conditions (preventable diseases). Conclusions Variations in avoidable deaths and morbidity in a regional profile demonstrate the existence of a regional specificity, which allows for specific health interventions in these vulnerable areas. In 2017 compared to 2007, the number of avoidable deaths decreased by 7 percent, except for the increase in avoidable deaths by high blood pressure, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer.