Deaths related to smoking in South Africa in 1984 and projected deaths among coloureds and blacks in the year 2000.
Using a World Health Organization/International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of causes of death, we found that 34.5% of deaths among whites were attributable to smoking-related causes in 1984. The comparable figures for Asians, coloureds and blacks were 24.5%, 14.5% and 3.9% respectively. Age- and sex-specific death rates in 1984 for 35- to 64-year-olds among coloureds were greater than those among whites. Taking into account the expected ageing of the black population and the increased use of tobacco by blacks, smoking-related deaths are expected to increase by between 140 and 1,200% by the year 2000. Smoking-related diseases by 2000 will make a severe impact on the delivery of health services.
Yach
D
D
Centre for Epidemiological Research in Southern Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Parowvallei.
Joubert
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000401:mortality*; D013019:South Africa; D044465:White People