Public Health | THIS WEBSITE IS A DRAFT
In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), about 60% of deaths occur outside hospitals, often determined by non-medical, untrained personnel without validated verbal autopsy methods, leading to unreliable data. This inaccuracy causes misallocation of health resources, as it becomes challenging to identify and address the most pressing health issues. For example, misclassified causes of death can divert efforts from critical health problems to less urgent ones, undermining the effectiveness of health interventions and programs, such as those targeting maternal mortality (BioMed Central) (Oxford Academic) (BioMed Central). Additionally, poor-quality data affects epidemiological studies and health policy formulation, decreasing the credibility of health statistics needed for tracking progress towards health goals and informing global health initiatives (Oxford Academic) (SpringerLink). Improving death registration systems, training personnel, and using validated methods like verbal autopsies are essential steps to enhance data reliability, leading to better health outcomes through informed decision-making and resource allocation.
Natural Causes
Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction), Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident), Heart Failure, Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat), Hypertensive Heart Disease, Aneurysms
Respiratory Diseases
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pneumonia, Asthma, Pulmonary Embolism, Tuberculosis
Cancer
Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Colorectal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer, Leukemia
Infectious Diseases
HIV/AIDS, Sepsis, Influenza, Hepatitis, Malaria
Neurological Disorders
Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Digestive Diseases
Cirrhosis, Liver Disease, Pancreatitis, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus, Thyroid Disorders, Addison’s Disease
Kidney Diseases
Chronic Kidney Disease, Acute Renal Failure, Nephritis
Hematologic Diseases
Anemia, Hemophilia, Leukopenia
Accidental Causes
Transportation Accidents
Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Airplane Crashes, Boat Accidents, Train Accidents
Falls
Slips and Falls, Falls from Heights
Drowning
Swimming Pool Drowning, Natural Water Body Drowning
Poisoning
Drug Overdose, Alcohol Poisoning, Chemical Exposure
Burns and Fire
House Fires, Industrial Fires, Scalding
Suffocation
Choking, Strangulation, Smothering
Electrocution
Electrical Accidents, Lightning Strikes
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Floods, Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Other Possible Causes
Homicide
Gunshot Wounds, Stabbings, Blunt Force Trauma, Strangulation, Poisoning, Arson
Suicide
Self-inflicted Gunshot Wounds, Hanging, Poisoning/Overdose, Jumping from Heights, Cutting, Drowning, Asphyxiation
Undetermined Causes
Unspecified Natural Causes, Unidentified Medical Conditions, Unknown Trauma or Injury
External Factors
Environmental factors: Heat Stroke, Hypothermia, Exposure to Toxic Substances
Occupational factors: Industrial Accidents, Exposure to Hazardous Materials