Biomedicine

Abstract

Background: Mortality patterns have changed significantly in recent years, with global studies reporting a shift towards younger age groups. However, limited data exist on such trends in Kerala. This study examines age- and sex-specific mortality patterns over five years (2018–2022) using cemetery records from Thrissur District.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using death records from a single cemetery in Thrissur Corporation. Data on age, sex, and year of death were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and proportions, were used to assess trends.
Results: A total of 8,636 deaths were recorded, with a mean age of 63 years. Male deaths (51%) were more prevalent than female deaths (41%), with infant deaths accounting for 8%. Over 75% of male deaths occurred between 20–59 years, while female deaths were more common in those aged >60 years (p < 0.001). The highest proportion of deaths occurred in 2018 (22%), with a subsequent decline to 15% in 2022. The 70–79 age group had the highest mortality rate, followed by the 80–89 and 60–69 age groups.
Conclusion: Younger and middle-aged males had higher mortality rates, while elderly females accounted for most deaths. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce premature mortality and improve healthcare access. Future studies incorporating multiple cemeteries and hospital records would provide a more comprehensive understanding of mortality trends in Kerala.