Adult mortality in Zambia: where do adults die?

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

Adult mortality in Zambia is high and a health burden. However, little research exists on place of death which is important for understanding access and utilization of health services. The study investigates factors associated with place of death among adults aged 15-59 years in Zambia. Logistic regression analysis was performed using 2010-2012 Verbal Autopsy survey data. Health facility (HF) adult deaths were 51% and 41% at home. In urban areas, adult deaths were 2.1 times more likely to occur in a HF (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=2.08, 95%, CI [1.60-2.70]) than in rural areas. Adults with higher education were 3.8 times (AOR=3.83, [1.79-8.18]) more likely to die in a HF than those without education. Odds of adult female deaths occurring in a HF were 1.3 times higher (AOR=1.32, [1.01-1.72]) than of males. Therefore, health planners and decision-makers should focus on improving health facilities to reduce avoidable adult mortality.