Age and sex- specific spatial-temporal patterns of mortality using civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) in Namibia

Atanasia Katana Peneyambeko Bonge, University of Namibia
Naftal Sackaria Sackaria, University of Namibia
Ndeyapo M Nickanor, University of Namibia
Lawrence Kazembe, University of Namibia

In many developing countries, estimation of mortality risk depends on censuses or surveys, however, data is available at intermittent interval thereby making it difficult to establish the dynamics. Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) data, on the other hand, provides timely and up-to-date mortality statistics and may play a crucial role in informing and evaluating development oriented planning. This study explores the use of CRVS data in Namibia to study the mortality dynamics in the country. The objective is to examine age and sex-specific spatial-temporal mortality patterns in Namibia using Poisson regressions. Findings show that mortality risk generally increased from 1990 to 2013 with the highest risk in 2002 to 2006, notably in highly urbanized regions. Males were at increased risk of mortality, while overall the risk declined with age. In conclusion the highest risk of mortality in urban areas might be dictated by HIV/AIDS and motor vehicle accidents.