The Study of main Causes of Death among Older Persons in the Provinces of Iran, 2011-2016

Objectives: Differences in population transition in the provinces of Iran have led to differences in their aging indicators. The purpose of this study is to identify the differences in the cause of death of the elderly in the provinces of Iran during the years 1390 to 1395.  Materials and methods: The study performed a secondary analysis of the cause of death of the elderly in the provinces of Iran. The cause of death data is taken from the current death registration in the Civil Registration Organization and is based on the international classification of the cause of death (ICD10). This data is analyzed by gender and age groups in the elderly population. Years of life lost due to premature death (YLL) were used per thousand to measure the mortality of each disease. Death rate and YLL rate allow comparison over time, sex and age at the provincial level as standard. Findings: The elderly death rate varies from 40 to 72% in the provinces of the country. It shows the difference in the situation of the country's provinces in the epidemiological transition. The share of causes of death in the provinces varies by sex. In less developed provinces, premature death is more common for men. Conclusion: The provinces of Iran have different climatic, developmental and demographic conditions, which has led to different occurrence of health conditions in them. There is a need to develop appropriate health policies at the provincial and regional levels in the country as the population enters the aging phase and the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly.