[Analysis of causes of death and potential years of life lost in 7 districts of Guangzhou].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the causes of death and potential years of life lost (PYLL) in 7 districts of Guangzhou from 2003 to 2005.

METHODS

The bureau of Health of Guangzhou provided the data of 70 201 cases of death occurring between 2003 and 2005. The top 10 causes of death were analyzed and the PYLL and crude death rate were calculated using mortality difference dissembling method.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2005, the top 3 causes of death in Guangzhou were diseases of the circulatory system, neoplasms and respiratory diseases. Aging of the population led to an increased death rate. The major causes of death affecting PYLL consisted of neoplasms, diseases of the circulatory system, injuries and poisoning.

CONCLUSION

Priority should be given to the control of diseases of the circulatory system in the health care in Guangzhou. Neoplasms, injuries and poisoning all contribute to a high PYLL.