[Mortality trends in Sardinia: 1965-1984].
An accurate epidemiological analysis plays an essential role for the proper formulation of health strategies. Mortality studies are still the most valid and reliable; so their preferential use is justified. In Italy the public health system is characterized by decentralization and local autonomy. This wide autonomy stresses the need for simple tools of epidemiological analysis that can be used by a large number of local health officers. The purpose of this research work is to describe the temporal changes in mortality rates in Sardinia for the years 1965 to 1984. The time series consist of yearly age-adjusted mortality rates in Sardinia from different causes of death. Since 1968 cerebrovascular diseases, which were once considered as diseases of nervous system, have been classified as cardiovascular diseases therefore we studied the two categories together in the assumption that the diseases of nervous system play an almost negligible role. The standardization has been carried out by the indirect method because the Sardinian age-specific mortality rates are not available for several years. The standard rates are the Italian age-specific death rates (0-14, 15-44, 45-64, 65 years) in 1981. Our model is based on the assumption that the time series result from a long term trend and some accidental factors. The time series have been studied using regression analysis techniques. The equation y = a exp (bx) defines an exponential model. The estimated mortality rates are denoted by the variable y. The variable x describes the time. We can define the constant b as force of increase; b is a valid measure of trend.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Contu
P
P
Minerba
L
L
Scarpa
B
B
D002423:Cause of Death; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends*
Trends di mortalita' in Sardegna: 1965-1984.