Asthma mortality in Mauritius: 1982-1991.

BACKGROUND

Bronchial asthma is a common problem in the island of Mauritius and its prevalence seems to be increasing.

OBJECTIVE

In order to appreciate the magnitude of the problem, patterns of asthma mortality were studied during a period of 10 years.

METHOD

All death certificates issued in the island from 1982 to 1991 were reviewed and all cases of asthma deaths were selected.

RESULTS

The global asthma mortality rate was found to be 20/100,000 in 1982, and it decreased to 12/100,000 in 1991. Similarly the asthma death rate for the 0 to 4 year age group decreased from 20/100,000 in 1982 to 5/100,000 in 1991. For the 5 to 34 year age group, it decreased from 2.6/100,000 in 1982 to 1.02/100,000 in 1991. There was no statistically significant difference between the various ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that in a developing country such as Mauritius asthma death rates may be high but may show decreasing trends. Nevertheless, it is generally perceived that the prevalence of the disease is increasing.