Regional variations in adult mortality in Zambia: do they matter?

Vesper H. Chisumpa, University of the Witwatersrand and University of Zambia
Nicole De Wet, University of the Witwatersrand

Regional variations in adult mortality in Zambia have not been examined by previous studies. Data from the 2010 census were utilized to compute age-sex-cause-specific mortality rates, and probabilities of dying between age 15 and 60 years (45q15), to examine variations in adult mortality by demographic and geographical characteristics. Adult mortality was higher among males than females by rural-urban residence, province and national. A high proportion of adult deaths were observed in age groups 25-29 for females and 30-39 for males. Male deaths attributed to accidents and injuries, and suicide and violence were twice as high as those of females. Majority of females died from sickness/diseases. The probability of dying between age 15 and 60 years was highest among males than females in Lusaka province and lowest in North-western province, conforming to HIV/AIDS pattern. Health programmes and interventions should account for mortality variations and not one-size fits all type of interventions.