Changing Pattern of Mortality Trends in Iran, South, South-West Asia and World, 1970–2010

BACKGROUND: Mortality refers to the death that occurs within a population. It is linked to many factors such as age, sex, race, occupation and social class. The incidence and prevalence of mortality could affect the population’s standard of living and health care. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of mortality trends in Iran, south-south west Asia and the world in 1970–2010. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted on the registered data in the Statistical Center of Iran and National Organization of Civil Registration. The data were analyzed using statistical methods and graphs. Finally, the analyzed data were compared with the world and south-south west Asia data. RESULTS: In Iran, 61.1% of all the registered deaths were in male and 60.4% were in urban areas. Crude death rate, infant mortality rate and under five mortality rate decreased from 13, 164 and 281 per 1000 in 1970–75 to the estimated values of 5, 25 and 35 per 1000 in 2005–2010, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that similar to other countries, the trends of all mortality indicators in Iran have been changed and decreased, which is related to many factors such as improvement health situation and medical interventions.