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Infectious diseases mortality in central Serbia
H D Vlajinac1, J M Marinković, N I Kocev
1Institute of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Belgrade University, Yugoslovia.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|April 1, 1997
Summary
The war and United Nations economic sanctions in former Yugoslavia significantly increased infectious disease mortality in Central Serbia. This adverse effect was most pronounced in younger males during the 1991-1993 conflict period.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Demography
Background:
- Infectious disease mortality trends in Central Serbia showed a decline prior to the 1990s.
- The region faced significant geopolitical and economic challenges during the late 20th century.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the war in former Yugoslavia and United Nations (UN) economic sanctions on infectious disease mortality.
- To analyze changes in mortality rates attributable to these external factors.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study analyzing time-series mortality data from Central Serbia (approx. 6 million inhabitants).
- Standardized mortality rates using the European population.
- Employed regression analysis and analysis of covariance to identify trends and departures.
Main Results:
- Infectious disease mortality decreased from 1973-1993, but significantly increased above trend from 1987-1990 (p=0.020, p=0.00).
- A statistically significant departure from the trend was observed in men between 1991-1993 (p=0.036), particularly in younger age groups.
- The period coincided with the war and UN sanctions.
Conclusions:
- The economic crisis, war, and UN sanctions had a detrimental effect on infectious disease mortality in Central Serbia.
- These external factors reversed the previously declining trend in mortality from infectious diseases.