Variation in mortality rates in Tel Aviv region municipalities

Age, sex and cause-specific mortality rates in 1982-86 for eight municipalities in the Tel Aviv region were compared to comparable rates of a reference population--the 1984 Jewish population of Israel. Residents of Or Yehuda, Tel Aviv, Holon and Bat Yam had an elevated risk of dying. Of particular interest is the elevated risk among adult residents of the Tel Aviv municipality. Males and females aged 30-44 had excess mortality from heart disease and external causes of death, and males aged 45-64 from ischemic heart disease and external causes. Tel Aviv females aged 30-44 also had excess mortality from cerebrovascular disease and females aged 45-64 from malignancy. High mortality rates in these age groups contribute considerably to years of life lost, and it is suggested that local health service or governmental action should be taken to investigate and reduce the disparities. Small area analysis, as shown here, may provide considerable information for monitoring community health.