Trends in Kazakhstan's Avoidable Deaths: 2015-2021 Analysis

What is it about?

The study analyzed avoidable mortality in Kazakhstan using data from the Bureau of National Statistics, covering the years 2015 to 2021, categorized by gender and age groups. The research utilized the Joint OECD/Eurostat classification to distinguish between preventable and treatable causes of mortality, standardizing the data with the 2015 OECD standard population. Employing joinpoint regression analysis, the study calculated the average annual percentage change in avoidable mortality rates. Findings indicated a decrease in avoidable mortality rates per 100,000 population from 2015 to 2019, with an annual percentage change of -3.8, but a subsequent increase of 17.6 from 2019 to 2021. Males showed higher avoidable mortality rates compared to females, and preventable mortality rates were consistently higher than treatable mortality rates. Leading causes of avoidable mortality were identified as circulatory diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancer, while the increase in mortality from 2020 to 2021 was largely attributed to COVID-19.

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Why is it important?

The study is important as it utilizes the calculation of avoidable mortality to identify priority areas for improvement in Kazakhstan's healthcare system, a tool underutilized in the region. By analyzing mortality data from 2015 to 2021, the research provides insights into the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and highlights areas needing urgent attention. The findings are crucial for informing healthcare policy and strategy, particularly in the context of achieving universal health coverage and addressing gender disparities in health outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. Gender Disparities: The study finds that avoidable mortality rates are consistently higher in males compared to females, highlighting a significant gender gap in healthcare access and outcomes in Kazakhstan. 2. Impact of COVID-19: The research indicates a sharp increase in avoidable mortality from 2019 to 2021, largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems. 3. Healthcare Interventions: Despite the rise in mortality rates during the pandemic, the study observes a previous decline in preventable and treatable mortality from 2015 to 2019, suggesting that comprehensive screening programs and disease management initiatives had a positive impact prior to the pandemic.