Epidemiological transition and the importance of social policy: mortality statistic in Ilam, Iran during 2011-2017

Objective (s): For decision making and health policy planning it is quite important to know causes of death for every community. This study aimed to investigate death statistics in Ilam province, Iran.Methods: Data were extracted from the Ilam death registry developed by the Iran's Vital Registration Organization. Deaths in 20 groups of causes according to the international classification of diseases10 [ICD10] were analyzed. The percentage of each cause is determined by gender and age. The sex ratio index and years of life lost due to premature death also were estimated for each group of causes.Results: There were about 2500 death records annually in the registry system. Majority of deaths occurred due to chronic noncommunicable diseases. Accidents and respiratory disorders had a high proportion in the mortality transition in Ilam province. Three main causes of deaths included neuropathic diseases. At older age, noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular and among youth the social problems, including unpredictable events, violence by others and suicide were the main factor in the loss of human capital.Conclusion: Epidemiological transition occurred in causes of mortality in Ilam province, Iran. The major contribution of noncommunicable diseases and emerging social problems to deaths requires through examination of health policies that address social, psychological and preventive factors.