Title: Levels and causes of adult mortality in rural Tanzania with special reference to HIV / AIDS.

POPLINE Document Number: 127802

Author(s):

Boerma JT
Ngalula J
Isingo R
Urassa M
Senkoro KP
Gabone R
Mkumbo EN

Source citation:

In: The socio-demographic impact of AIDS in Africa. Based on the conference organized by the Committee on AIDS of the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) and the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 3-6 February 1997. Papers. Liege, Belgium, International Union for the Scientific Study of Population [IUSSP], 1997. :15 p.

Abstract:

Findings are reported from a study conducted in Kisesa ward of Mwanza Region, Tanzania, to assess the levels and causes of adult mortality related to HIV infection and AIDS. The ward, about 20 km east of the regional capital Mwanza and along the main road to Kenya, has a population of approximately 20,000. Kisesa ward is comprised of 6 villages. A baseline census of all households was conducted in 1994, and by mid-1996, a total of six rounds had been completed. Findings are based upon the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Overall mortality rates for men and women aged 15-59 years were 10.8 and 10.0 per 1000 person-years, respectively, with a comparable age pattern between the sexes. There was, however, slightly higher mortality among men under age 45. Verbal autopsies were conducted for 141 of 160 deaths. Communicable and reproductive conditions accounted for 62.5% of all deaths. HIV/AIDS mortality was associated with 35% of all deaths, and was the leading cause for both sexes (30% of male and 39% of female deaths). Among 50 deaths classified as HIV-associated, there were 30 deaths with clinical AIDS but no tuberculosis (TB), 13 with AIDS and TB, and 7 deaths among HIV-positives with no clinical AIDS. These latter included deaths due to malaria, hepatitis, neoplasm, and 4 deaths with no other diagnosis than a positive HIV test. No cause of death could be determined for 15% of cases. Mortality in Kisesa, with an HIV prevalence of about 6% in 1994-95, has increased by about one-third due to HIV/AIDS, and will likely increase further.

Keywords:

Tanzania
Research Report
Rural Population
HIV Infections
AIDS
Epidemics
Excess Mortality
Prevalence
Life Expectancy
Adults
Causes of Death
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Measurement
Research Methodology
Length of Life
Age Factors