Patterns of regional mortality in Ukraine from Soviet time to nowadays

This paper compares regional cause-specific mortality profiles in the course of time from the last census in Soviet Union (1989) to nowadays (2010) taking for the reference point the year of the last and a single so far census in Ukraine, 2001. In the early 2000s, the geography of mortality varies from one cause to the other. Standardized death rates for the biggest killer, circulatory system diseases were higher in eastern and northern parts of the country, which is sometimes associated with Chernobyl disaster. Mortality from external causes was as well high on the east, center and north. South is distinctive by infectious mortality and digestive system problems. The results show that this interregional variation has increased between 1989 and 2001 in respect to most causes of death except cancers and respiratory system diseases. Since 2001, reversely, differences are reducing.
Considering regional cause-of death patterns highlights the fact that some regions of Ukraine are more advanced than others on the path of health transition, which is characterized by the prevailed type of nosological structure as well as spread of lifestyles, self-preserving behaviour and modern attitude toward health in a wide sense.