Mortality Rate
Overview
Mortality rate measures the number of deaths in a population over a specific period, often expressed per thousand or hundred thousand individuals annually. It reflects the overall health, healthcare quality, and social conditions of a community.
Key Themes
Historically, mortality rates have declined due to better medicine, sanitation, and nutrition. However, disparities persist globally, with higher rates in low-income regions. Pandemics like COVID-19 highlight how external factors can drastically impact mortality trends.
Significance
Understanding mortality rates is vital for public health planning, policy-making, and resource allocation. Lower rates often indicate improved living standards, while spikes may signal emerging threats.