Pattern of top ten causes of death in Iraq during the period from ۲۰۱۲ to ۲۰۲۰

Background and Objective: Chronic non-communicable diseases represent a growing major public health problem in Iraq. They contribute to more ۵۰% of total mortality and the main causes of morbidity. The objective is to explore the pattern of top leading causes of death in the last nine years in Iraq (without Kurdistan Region).Materials and Methods: A correlational report-based study, data collected from the annual reports of ministry of health for nine years (during the period ۲۰۱۲-۲۰۲۰).Results: The average crude mortality rate was ۴.۱/۱۰۰۰ (۹۵% CI ۳.۸۸-۴.۲۹) with an average total annual deaths of ۱۲۵۹۸۵ in Iraq (except Kurdistan Region). Males consisted ۵۷% of total deaths. Baghdad (the capital) have the highest crude mortality rate with an average of ۵.۳۵, followed by Najaf and Kerbela. Cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, renal failure and diabetes are collectively responsible for about ۵۶% of all deaths followed by respiratory and cardiovascular disorders specific to the per natal period, unintentional injuries and microbial infections. Violence and terrorism contribute to ۴.۴% of mortality rate during ۲۰۱۵-۲۰۱۷. Cancer mortality increased remarkably from ۲۰۱۵ to date. Road traffic accident is also growing public health problem and cause of death for last five years. COVID-۱۹ was the ۲nd. top cause of death in ۲۰۲۰ after ischemic heart disease.Conclusion: With the changing life style and dietary habits in Iraq, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), involving stroke, ischemic heart disease, cancer, renal failure and diabetes, are rise progressively. Health promotion and education programs should be consider the modifiable behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, the harmful use of alcohol, and speed; in addition to improve stress and mood disorders coping strategies. Improve surveillance system and screening for early detection and better treatment.

Keywords:

pattern , death , stroke , cancer , NCD , Iraq