Description: Mortality refers to the state of being subject to death, an inevitable phenomenon that affects all living beings. In the context of public health, mortality is frequently used to analyze and understand the health of populations. It is commonly expressed in terms of mortality rate, which is the number of deaths in a specific population over a given period, usually per thousand or hundred thousand inhabitants. This metric is crucial for assessing the impact of diseases, health conditions, and socioeconomic factors on people’s lives. Mortality can be classified into several categories, such as general mortality, infant mortality, maternal mortality, and mortality from specific causes, allowing researchers and policymakers to identify critical areas that require attention. Furthermore, the study of mortality is not limited to the number of deaths but also includes the analysis of underlying causes, helping to develop strategies for disease prevention and control. In summary, mortality is a fundamental indicator in public health that provides valuable information about the well-being of communities and the effectiveness of health interventions.
History: The study of mortality has ancient roots, with records dating back to civilizations such as the Egyptian and Greek, where death counts and causes were recorded. However, the systematic development of mortality statistics began in the 17th century with the work of John Graunt, who published ‘Natural and Political Observations Made upon the Bills of Mortality’ in 1662, laying the groundwork for modern demography. Over the centuries, the collection of mortality data has evolved, especially with the introduction of civil registries and censuses, allowing for more detailed and accurate analysis of mortality trends in different populations.
Uses: Mortality is used in public health to assess the effectiveness of health interventions, identify at-risk groups, and plan resources. Mortality rates are fundamental for health policy formulation, allowing governments and international organizations to prioritize areas for intervention. Additionally, it is employed in epidemiological research to study the relationship between risk factors and diseases, as well as in the evaluation of public health programs.
Examples: An example of the use of mortality in public health is the analysis of infant mortality, which is used to measure the well-being of mothers and children in a population. Another case is the evaluation of mortality from chronic diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, which helps identify the burden of these conditions in the population and develop prevention strategies. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, mortality rates became a key indicator for assessing the severity of the health crisis and the effectiveness of implemented control measures.
