Geographic variation of mortality in Greenland. Economic and demographic correlations

Geographic variation of mortality in the native (Inuit) Greenlandic population was studied and compared at community level with income, population change and community size. Six well defined geographic regions were identified. Mortality rates from infectious diseases and accidents were lowest in West Greenlandic towns and highest in settlements and in East Greenland; they showed a significant negative correlation with income. Mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease was highest in West Greenlandic towns excluding the capital (Nuuk) while no clear geographic pattern was observed for cerebrovascular disease. The suicide rate was very high in the capital and in East Greenland while it was low, at the Danish level, in West Greenlandic settlements. The study has demonstrated an internal variation in the Greenlandic mortality pattern which must be taken into account in the planning of both scientific studies and practical health interventions.