Mortality, morbidity and health in developed societies: a review of data sources

Causal assessment in demographic research

Causation underlies both research and policy interventions. Causal inference in demography is however far from easy, and few causal claims are probably sustainable in this field. This paper targets the assessment of causality in demographic research. It aims to give an overview of the methodology of causal research, pointing out various problems that can occur in practice. The “Intervention studies” section critically examines the so-called gold standard in causality assessment in experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, and the use of quasi-experiments and interventions in observational studies. The “Multivariate statistical models” section deals with multivariate statistical models linking a mortality or fertility indicator to a series of possible causes and controls. Single and multiple equation models are considered. The “Mechanisms and structural causal modelling” section takes into account a more recent trend, i.e., mechanistic explanations in causal research, and develops a structural causal modelling framework stemming from the pioneering work of the Cowles Commission in econometrics and of Sewall Wright in population genetics. The “Assessing causality in demographic research” section examines how causal analysis could be further applied in demographic studies, and a series of proposals are discussed for this purpose. The paper ends with a conclusion pointing out, in particular, the relevance of structural equation models, of triangulation, and of systematic reviews for causal assessment.

Causes of Deaths in Northern Cyprus: Implications for Accurate Recording and Prevention of Deaths

Background:

Reporting the causes of deaths completely and correctly is important to develop interventions for reducing death rates in populations.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the death rates, major causes of deaths and accuracy of recording of death causes in Northern Cyprus between 2007 and 2016.

Methods:

Data on death rates and causes of deaths between 2007 and 2016 were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23 vs to determine the trends in death rates and to evaluate the ranking of causes of deaths.

Results:

There was an overall decrease in crude death rates between 2007 and 2016. The proportion of deaths in Northern Cyprus varied in terms of gender and age between 2007 and 2016, with death rates greater in males compared to females (1.89 times greater in 2007) and with higher death rates in people of older ages compared to younger people. The most common cause of death was ischemic heart diseases in all years, except in 2008, where senility was reported as the most common cause of death.

Conclusion:

There were decreasing trends in mortality rates in Northern Cyprus, with ischemic heart diseases reported as the top cause of deaths in the population. Accurate and complete reporting must be ensured for effective health policies and reduction of health expenditures.

Management of 46,XY Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) Throughout Life

Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions that result in discordance between an individual's sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or anatomic sex. Advances in the clinical care of patients and families affected by 46,XY DSD have been achieved since publication of the original Consensus meeting in 2006. The aims of this paper are to review what is known about morbidity and mortality, diagnostic tools and timing, sex of rearing, endocrine and surgical treatment, fertility and sexual function, and quality of life in people with 46,XY DSD. The role for interdisciplinary health care teams, importance of establishing a molecular diagnosis, and need for research collaborations using patient registries to better understand long-term outcomes of specific medical and surgical interventions are acknowledged and accepted. Topics that require further study include prevalence and incidence, understanding morbidity and mortality as these relate to specific etiologies underlying 46,XY DSD, appropriate and optimal options for genitoplasty, long-term quality of life, sexual function, involvement with intimate partners, and optimizing fertility potential.