mortalitást

Mortality refers to the state of being mortal and, in statistics, the rate at which deaths occur in a population over a specified period. In demography, mortality is quantified through indicators such as the crude death rate (deaths per 1,000 people per year) and age-specific death rates. Life expectancy at birth, another related measure, summarizes the average number of years a newborn is expected to live given current mortality patterns.

Measurement and data collection rely on vital statistics systems, censuses, and population surveys. Causes of death are coded using international classification systems (such as ICD). Standardization methods adjust rates to allow comparisons between populations with different age structures.

Determinants and trends: Mortality is influenced by biological factors (age, genetics) and social determinants (income, education, healthcare access, nutrition, sanitation). Over the past two centuries, global mortality has declined due to public health measures, vaccines, antibiotics, and improved living standards, though progress is uneven. Infant mortality has fallen markedly in many regions, while non-communicable diseases have emerged as leading causes of death in higher-income countries; infectious diseases remain a major concern in less-resourced areas. Geographic and socioeconomic disparities persist in mortality patterns.

Uses and limitations: Mortality data inform public health policy, resource allocation, and actuarial calculations. Analysts must account for age structure and data quality, as under-reporting, misclassification of causes of death, and reporting lags can distort comparisons and trend interpretation.