AGE-SPECIFIC MORTALITY RATE

Age-specific mortality rate is defined as the number of deaths in a particular age/age group in a specific geographical area (city, state, country) per 1.000 population in the same age/age group. It can be calculated by dividing those dying at a particular age/age group by the population in that age/age group.

Age-specific mortality rate is used to suggest specific causes of death according to the persistent patterns of current health problems (disease risks and disease events) at that age/age group in a particular community.

Most countries illustrate the pattern of age-specific mortality rate on the J-shaped, meaning that mortality is high among infants, children under 5, and young children. Then, it drops rapidly until age groups 5-14. The curve increases exponentially above age 35 and skyrockets after age 65.