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Asthma mortality in Cuba during 1972-1993
D E Fabré Ortiz1, J F Cabrera Pérez, L Armas Pérez
1Department of the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital.
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|February 20, 1998
Summary
Asthma mortality in Cuba shows a rising trend, increasing the risk of premature death, particularly for women. This highlights the need for greater focus on asthma as a preventable cause of death in national health programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Global and Cuban asthma mortality rates have been increasing.
- Asthma poses a significant public health challenge, contributing to premature deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trend of asthma-related mortality in Cuba from 1972 to 1993.
- To identify factors influencing asthma mortality patterns and risk, particularly by gender.
Main Methods:
- A time series analysis of all asthma deaths recorded in Cuban vital statistics (1972-1993).
- Estimation of mortality rates, secular trends (overall and by gender), proportional mortality, and potential years of life lost.
Main Results:
- Asthma mortality rates initially dropped (1972-1975) possibly due to new treatments and programs, then increased to 5.9 per 100,000 inhabitants by 1993.
- Mortality trends were higher in females, and proportional mortality increased from 0.50% (1980) to 0.80% (1993).
- Potential years of life lost due to premature asthma deaths ranged from 5,646 to 7,386 between 1990 and 1992.
Conclusions:
- A concerning upward trend in asthma mortality exists in Cuba during the study period.
- Asthma is a significant cause of premature death, with increased risk observed in females.
- The findings underscore the necessity of prioritizing asthma management and prevention within national health strategies.