Avoidable and Non-avoidable mortality in Mexico and its contribution to years of life lost; analysis by gender and degree of state marginalization, 2001-2010

We analyzed the weight of Avoidable mortality (AM) in Mexico and its evolution between 2001-2010, taking into account the differences in degree of state marginalization, in gender and their contribution to the years of life lost (YLL). Data comes from the mortality registries from INEGI in Mexico and the marginalization index from CONAPO. We calculated the mortality rates and the YLL proposed by Arriaga using the AM criteria of Nolte and McKee. Mortality rates due to avoidable causes were higher for groups with the highest degree of marginalization. The poorest states lost more YLL between 2001-2010 due to these causes of death. Men had the highest mortality rates due to AM. Women increased their life-years, mainly due to the reduction of deaths due to cervical cancer, maternal deaths and perinatal deaths. These results show wide disparities in the magnitude and impact of AM by groups of state marginalization and gender.
Key words: avoidable mortality, state marginalization index, Mexico, mortality rates, years of life lost