Adult mortality and nutrition in rural Senegal: evidence of an epidemiologic transition

Global mortality transitions are driven by the epidemiologic transition, resulting in a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are partly shaped by the nutrition transition and associated chronic conditions. In low- and middle-income countries, these shifts are often viewed as primarily urban phenomena. Rural populations may therefore be overlooked in efforts to prevent and manage NCDs, despite facing critical public health challenges.

This study examines changing patterns of adult mortality and causes of death in rural Senegal to illustrate ongoing mortality, epidemiologic, and nutrition transitions.

Using data from three rural sites in the Senegalese Health and Demographic Surveillance System, we analysed adult mortality from 1985 to 2020. We calculated all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates among individuals aged 15 to 70 years, based on causes of death determined through verbal autopsy.

Mortality declined across all age groups. Deaths from communicable diseases, maternal conditions, and undernutrition decreased substantially. NCDs have surpassed communicable diseases as the leading cause of death. Causes of death associated with undernutrition have declined, while diet-related NCDs have increased.

Adult mortality is declining in the three rural Senegalese sites studied, due to a decline in epidemics. However, NCDs now pose a major rural health threat, consistent with epidemiologic transition theory. The reversal between mortality patterns associated with undernutrition and diet-related NCDs may signal an ongoing nutrition transition. Strong health systems are crucial for both preventing and treating NCDs, and robust health information systems are needed to support deeper analysis of this issue.