Mortality in Kuwait: Pattern and Seasonality

This paper examines total and cause-specific mortality of the Kuwaiti population through a variety of life table models. Seasonality of diseases underlying mortality was also measured using the Fourier (cosinor) analysis. Results showed significant decline in total and infant mortality. Life table analysis showed that cardiovascular disease, accidental injury and malignant disease were the main causes of death in Kuwait and that ischemic heart disease was the major component of cardiovascular disease. The Fourier analysis showed a winter peak seasonality in January for total mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and no seasonality for malignant disease, congenital anomalies or perinatal disease. Overall, Kuwait has the seasonal timing of developed countries for total mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to the rapid changes in the life-style of people towards westernization. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the usefulness of national mortality statistics in measuring the force of mortality, and the ability of life table methods to assess the various roles that diseases may exhibit in the death process.