Adolescent mortality in Lebanon (2017-2022): Trends, causes, and policy implications

Adolescents and young adults face a high risk of preventable mortality, yet national-level data in Lebanon are limited. This study aimed to analyze sex-, age-, and region-specific patterns of cause-specific mortality and assess temporal trends among Lebanese youth aged 10-24 years from 2017 to 2022.

Nationwide population-level analysis.

Mortality data from the Lebanese MoPH were analyzed. Causes of death were coded using ICD-10 and grouped into 12 categories. Population denominators were based on 2022 estimates. Crude and ASMR using WHO standard population were calculated. Poisson regression assessed temporal trends, with rate ratios comparing sexes and P-values (<0.05) indicating statistical significance.

A total of 2776 deaths occurred, with an overall ASMR of 185.2 per 100,000. Age-specific mortality increased from 116.4 per 100,000 (10-14 years) to 246.1 per 100,000 (20-24 years, P < 0.001). External causes were the leading contributor (64.8 per 100,000), followed by circulatory/cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms. Male mortality exceeded female mortality (243.1 vs. 114.7 per 100,000; P < 0.001), with the largest disparity for external causes (RR = 3.80, P < 0.001). Regional differences were noted, with external deaths highest in North Lebanon and Bekaa, and circulatory deaths concentrated in Bekaa. No significant temporal trends were detected except in South Lebanon.

Mortality among Lebanese youth is primarily driven by preventable external and circulatory causes, with pronounced male excess and regional disparities. These findings support evidence-informed interventions, including targeted injury prevention and cardiovascular strategies tailored to high-risk populations and regions.