Adult mortality in a rural area of Senegal: Non-communicable diseases have a large impact in Mlomp

Abstract

This study provides original estimates of adult mortality in Mlomp, a rural population of Senegal which has been monitored for twenty years. Causes of death are assessed through verbal autopsies which are completed by medical information. Between ages 15 and 60, male mortality is much higher than female mortality. Globally, AIDS mortality does not have the tragic impact observed in other regions of Africa, and maternal mortality is relatively low for a rural area, unlike injuries which are common among men. In Mlomp, non-communicable diseases, especially cancers, are predominant. In addition to behavioural factors, infectious diseases may contribute to this situation.