Introduction : Mortality trends shed light on the impact of social determinants of health and inform the planning of healthcare services, particularly for chronic diseases and aging populations. This study aims to examine the distribution and trends of mortality statistics in Tamil Nadu from 2000 to 2022.
Methods : The study was a time series study on the MCCD (Medical Certification of Cause of Death) annual reports of Tamil Nadu State for the period 2000 to 2022. The data was taken by ICD 10 chapters by age, gender, and Major cause groups available in the reports which were collated in Excel sheet. The data was analyzed by calculating proportions by major cause groups for each year by overall, age & gender from 2000 to 2022.
RESULTS: The MCCD coverage in the state increased to 45% in 2022. Chapter IX increased to 50.8% in 2022. Chapter XIX has reduced to 3.6% in 2022. Chapter XVI, third in 2000 (8.6%), was at around 2% since 2018. Chapter XXII peaking at 8.1% in 2021 and dropped to 0.8% in 2022. In 2022, the proportions of deaths increased in chapter by IX (Male: 12%, Female: 23%) and had change in gender proportions. Chapter IX was the leading cause of death among age group 15 years and above in 2022, and in those aged 45 years and above in 2000. Chapter I, the third-leading cause overall, was the leading cause of death for the age group 1–14 years in 2022.
CONCLUSION: MCCD coverage has increased with marked rise in deaths due to circulatory diseases, particularly in older populations. Age and gender-specific mortality patterns further reveal important public health trends, with infectious diseases still being a leading cause of death in children, while non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases are becoming increasingly prominent in older age groups and have started to raise in younger age groups.