Vulnerable Populations: epidemiology and environment in Spanish Mediterranean area, 1950-2011

This research analyzes the evolution of the life expectancy in Tarragona, Catalonia and Spain between 1950 and 2011. Tarragona showed the biggest increase until 1960 but from 1960 until 1995 the tendency becomes increasingly closer to each other geographically. To understand this inequality between different geographical regions we have used the conceptual framework of the Theory of Epidemiologic Transition. Information from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística de España and Institut Nacional d’Estadistica de Catalunya and methodology of indirect standardization were analyzed. Furthermore, a joint grouping of the leading causes of death has been created based on the International Classification of Diseases. During 1960-1990, Tarragona had a high incidence of deaths from respiratory diseases and cancers, greater than in the rest of Spain. The indirect standardization is a good way to describe in greater detail the changes in the structure of the population and its impact on health inequality. Some causes of respiratory diseases and cancers are due to environmental abuse, particularly through the nuclear and petrochemical industries. These causes may be responsible for some of the effects, and measures to improve the environment during the decade from 1980-1990 may be causing their decline.