Original scientific paper
Morbidity and Mortality in the City of Zagreb, Croatia – Health Needs and Demands
Marina Polić-Vižintin
Ivan Vukušić
Marcel Leppée
Damir Erceg
Josip Čulig
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess health indicators in the city of Zagreb in order to evaluate the population health status and health needs. A descriptive method was used to analyze data from regular health statistics. In the population of Zagreb, the life expectancy at birth is longer than the European average but shorter than that recorded in Austria and Slovenia. The standardized mortalitay rates of tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer, and of malignant diseases in the Zagreb population exceed the European average, whereas those of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, uterine cervix carcinoma and breast cancer are lower than the European average. Circulatory diseases and neoplasms, the two most important groups of death causes, showed a constant rise during the 30-year period (1971–2001). The highest index of primary health care utilization (98.8%) was recorded for the ≥65 age group, with a mean of 7.5 primary health care visits per capita. The prevalence of hypertensive disorders and of intervertebral disk diseases and other dorsopathies was significantly higher in the oldest population group (x2=27.3 and x2=13.43, respectively, p<0.05 both). Considering the predominance of chronic widespread diseases that substantially influence the patient’s quality of life, public health actions should primarily be focused on preserving personal autonomy of the old and sick man for as long as possible. As the standardized mortality rates of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer, and malignant diseases exceed those reported from some neighboring countries, the highest priority and needs are now related to coping with unhealthy behavior of the population such as smoking, physical inactivity, and dietary issues that should be modified and controlled through implementation of preventive programs, along with appropriate organization and management of public health services.
Keywords
aging; mortality; life expectancy; health care; public health service; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
5269
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2005.
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