Premature mortality in the Republic of Ireland.

Regional variations in the incidence of premature deaths between 1971 and 1981 arc examined by mapping standardised mortality ratios for deaths under the age of 65. Premature mortality is also examined with regards to the number of years of normal life lost by those who die prematurely, using a specially defined unfulfilled life index. Unfulfilled life and premature deaths arc found to have a higher incidence in the major urban areas and a lower incidence in western counties, although there are some interesting differences in their spatial distributions. Differences with regard to sex. age at death and cause of death are also examined.