[Epidemiology of premature deaths in Chile between 2001 and 2010]. / Epidemiología de las muertes prematuras en Chile en la década 2001-2010.

BACKGROUND: Years of potential life lost (YPLL) is a parameter that allows to analyze premature deaths. AIM: To study the causes, differences by gender, geographic variations and the trend of premature deaths in the last decade in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using death databases published by the Ministry of Health, YPLL were calculated for the decade 2001-2010, using the method proposed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. RESULTS: The standardized annual average YPLL rate in Chile in the study period was 4.703 per 100,000 inhabitants. Trauma, cancer and cardiovascular diseases accounted for 68% of YPLL. The male/female YPLL ratio was 2.07; for trauma and mental disorders, the male/female ratio for YPLL was over 5; for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases the male/female ratio was over two. Regions with a higher proportion of rural areas had higher YPLL rates. CONCLUSIONS: The main causes of YPLL are potentially preventable. Further studies should be carried out to identify risk factors for premature death.

Epidemiología de las muertes prematuras en Chile en la década 2001-2010 / Epidemiology of premature deaths in Chile between 2001 and 2010

Background: Years of potential life lost (YPLL) is a parameter that allows to analyze premature deaths. Aim: To study the causes, differences by gender, geographic variations and the trend of premature deaths in the last decade in Chile. Material and Methods: Using death databases published by the Ministry of Health, YPLL were calculated for the decade 2001-2010, using the method proposed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Results: The standardized annual average YPLL rate in Chile in the study period was 4.703 per 100,000 inhabitants. Trauma, cancer and cardiovascular diseases accounted for 68% of YPLL. The male/female YPLL ratio was 2.07; for trauma and mental disorders, the male/female ratio for YPLL was over 5; for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases the male/female ratio was over two. Regions with a higher proportion of rural areas had higher YPLL rates. Conclusions: The main causes of YPLL are potentially preventable. Further studies should be carried out to identify risk factors for premature death.